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Experimental ureterohydronephrosis in fetal rats
B Qi1, J A Diez-Pardo, J I Rodriguez
1Department of Surgery, Hospital La Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain.
Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Prenatal exposure to the herbicide nitrofen caused ureterohydronephrosis (UHN) and polyhydramnios in fetal rats. This occurred without obstruction, suggesting nitrofen impairs fetal kidney function.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Developmental Biology
- Teratology
Background:
- Prenatal exposure to 2,4-dichlorophenyl-p-nitrophenyl ether (nitrofen) is a known teratogen.
- Nitrofen exposure in rats has been linked to pulmonary hypoplasia and other fetal malformations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if prenatal nitrofen exposure induces ureterohydronephrosis (UHN) and oligohydramnios in fetal rats.
- To explore the underlying mechanisms of nitrofen-induced urinary tract abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Time-dated pregnant Wistar rats were administered 100 mg of nitrofen on gestation days 9 or 11.
- Fetal outcomes were compared between exposed groups and control groups.
- Ureterohydronephrosis, lung hypoplasia, and amniotic fluid volume were assessed.
Main Results:
- A majority of exposed fetuses exhibited marked bilateral UHN without mechanical obstruction or dysplastic lesions.
- Exposed fetuses showed varying degrees of lung hypoplasia.
- Increased amniotic fluid volume (polyhydramnios) was observed, correlating with UHN grade and likely due to nitrofen-induced polyuria from impaired renal function.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal nitrofen exposure can induce non-obstructive UHN and polyhydramnios in fetal rats.
- The findings suggest nitrofen impairs fetal renal concentrating capacity, leading to increased urine production.
- This animal model offers a valuable tool for studying the physiology of prenatally dilated, non-obstructive urinary tracts.