Skeletal anomalies in the adriamycin-exposed prenatal rat: a model for VATER association

Vertebral and radial anomalies are prominent features of VATER (vertebral defects, anorectal anomaly, tracheoesophageal fistula with esophageal atresia, and radial dysplasia) association. It has been shown that exposure of the rat fetus to adriamycin produces a spectrum of anomalies, including esophageal atresia and other features of VATER association. We aimed to document the skeletal defects found in rats exposed to teratogenic doses of adriamycin in utero. Vertebral, rib, and limb anomalies were found in 54, 54, and 35% of these examined fetuses, respectively. The range of bone lesions seen in this animal model was similar to the range of lesions seen in infants born with VATER association.