Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 3, 2026

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development
08:50

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development

Published on: June 24, 2020

Intestinal damage in gastroschisis correlates with the concentration of intraamniotic meconium

A Api1, M Olguner, G Hakgüder

  • 1Departments of Pediatric Surgery and Pathology, Dokuz Eylül University Medical School, Izmir, Turkey.

Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|December 6, 2001
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Intraamniotic meconium causes intestinal damage in gastroschisis, but only above a specific concentration threshold. Lower concentrations did not cause damage in chick embryo models, indicating a dose-dependent effect.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental biology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric surgery

Background:

  • Amniotic fluid (AF) contact causes intestinal damage in gastroschisis.
  • Intraamniotic meconium is implicated as the cause of this damage.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the concentration-dependent effects of intraamniotic human meconium on intestines in a chick embryo gastroschisis model.

Main Methods:

  • Gastroschisis was surgically created in 5-day-old chick embryos.
  • Sterile human meconium was prepared in saline at various concentrations (1:200 to 1:800).
  • Meconium suspensions were instilled into the amniotic cavity.

Main Results:

  • Intraamniotic meconium at 1:200 and 1:400 concentrations caused significant intestinal damage.
  • Histopathology revealed serosal thickening, inflammation, fibrin, and collagen deposits.
  • Meconium concentrations below 1:400 (1:600, 1:800) did not result in intestinal damage compared to controls.

Conclusions:

  • Intraamniotic meconium requires a threshold concentration to induce intestinal damage in gastroschisis.
  • This finding suggests a dose-dependent mechanism for meconium-induced injury.

More Related Videos

Oral Gavage in Neonatal Mouse Pups and Functional Assessment of Gut Barrier Integrity Using Ussing Chambers07:18

Oral Gavage in Neonatal Mouse Pups and Functional Assessment of Gut Barrier Integrity Using Ussing Chambers

Published on: January 9, 2026

An Intravital Microscopy-Based Approach to Assess Intestinal Permeability and Epithelial Cell Shedding Performance07:32

An Intravital Microscopy-Based Approach to Assess Intestinal Permeability and Epithelial Cell Shedding Performance

Published on: December 3, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology01:07

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
Amebiasis01:28

Amebiasis

Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...
Anatomy of the Intestines01:53

Anatomy of the Intestines

Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.Small IntestinesThe small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the small intestine...