Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 13, 2026
Instrumentation of Near-term Fetal Sheep for Multivariate Chronic Non-anesthetized Recordings
Published on: October 25, 2015
[Involvement of betamimetics in increased survival during fetal surgery in sheep]
M G Tellado1, R Méndez, I Somoza
1Servicio de Cirugía Pediátrica, Complejo Hospitalario Juan Canalejo, La Coruña.
Introduction:
Fetal surgery is a therapeutic reality. Available only in a few centres worldwide. Experimental animal models are needed to continue research in this field. The target problem being the control of preterm labour.
Objectives:
To find a tocolytic drug regimen in order to reduce fetal loss.
Material And Methods:
Pregnant sheep were divided randomly in two groups. At a gestation age of seventy days sheep were operated in order to create a myelomeningocel model in the fetus. Follow-up with weekly amniocentesis guided by ultrasound scan. Group A (n = 6) were treated pre and post-op with indomethacine and with magnesium sulphate during surgery and in the following 24 hours. Group B (n = 8) were treated with diclofenac pre-op, and post-op with ritodrine until the end of pregnancy.
Results:
Group A we find a survival rate 50% (n = 3) being 87% (n = 7) in group B. Fetal weight being higher in group A. We find an increase heart rate and a weight loss in both the fetus and mother in group B. Urea and creatinine amniotic fluid levels were increase in group B.
Conclusions:
The use of ritodrine as a tocolytic agent reduces fetal loss significantly. Ritodrine increases fetal and mother cardiac output causing weight loss.
