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Cranial base and vertebral column in human anencephalic fetuses
I Kjaer1, J W Keeling, N Graem
1Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Journal of Craniofacial Genetics and Developmental Biology
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Notochordal insufficiency may cause skeletal defects in anencephaly. This study examined fetuses, revealing distinct ossification patterns linked to neural tube closure failures and notochordal development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Human Embryology
- Skeletal Biology
Background:
- Anencephaly is a severe neural tube defect.
- The notochord plays a crucial role in embryonic development, including neurulation and skeletal formation.
- Understanding the pathogenesis of anencephaly is critical for potential interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the axial skeleton's relationship with the notochord in human anencephalic fetuses.
- To elucidate the pathogenesis of anencephaly by examining skeletal abnormalities.
- To correlate specific skeletal defects with the severity of neural tube closure failure.
Main Methods:
- Examination of fifteen second-trimester anencephalic human fetuses.
- Dissection and radiographic analysis of the spine and cranial base.
- Comparative analysis with normal fetal specimens.
Main Results:
- Two distinct patterns of abnormal ossification were identified in anencephalic fetuses.
- Cases without cervical rachischisis showed bilateral occipital bone narrowing and vertebral body clefting.
- Cases with cervical rachischisis exhibited occipital bone shortening and complete median vertebral body clefting.
Conclusions:
- Observed skeletal defects suggest a potential notochordal insufficiency.
- The extent of skeletal deviations correlates with the failure of neural groove closure.
- The notochord is implicated as a key factor in the pathogenesis of anencephaly.