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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Characteristics of the equine embryo and fetus from days 15 to 107 of pregnancy

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Author(s):
Rezende Franciolli, Andre Luis [1] ; Cordeiro, Bruna Mascaro [2] ; da Fonseca, Erika Toledo [1] ; Rodrigues, Marcio Nogueira [1] ; Palmeira Sarmento, Carlos Alberto [1] ; Ambrosio, Carlos Eduardo [3] ; de Carvalho, Ana Flavia [4] ; Miglino, Maria Angelica [1] ; Silva, Luciano Andrade [5]
Total Authors: 9
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Surg, FMVZ, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Prebiteriana Mackenzie, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] FZEA USP, Dept Basic Sci, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[4] UNIfeob, Dept Morphol, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[5] FZEA USP, Dept Anim Sci, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: Theriogenology; v. 76, n. 5, p. 819-832, SEP 15 2011.
Web of Science Citations: 14
Abstract

In spite of numerous, substantial advances in equine reproduction, many stages of embryonic and fetal morphological development are poorly understood, with no apparent single source of comprehensive information. Hence, the objective of the present study was to provide a complete macroscopic and microscopic description of the equine embryo/fetus at various gestational ages. Thirty-four embryos/fetuses were aged based on their crown rump length (CRL), and submitted to macroscopic description, biometry, light and scanning microscopy, as well as the alizarin technique. All observed developmental changes were chronologically ordered and described. As examples of the main observed features, an accentuated cervical curvature was observed upon macroscopic examination in all specimens. In the nervous system, the encephalic fourth ventricle and the encephalic vesicles forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain, were visualized from Day 19 (ovulation = Day 0). The thoracic and pelvic limbs were also visualized; their extremities gave rise to the hoof during development from Day 27. Development of other structures such as pigmented optical vesicle, liver, tail, cardiac area, lungs, and dermal vascularization started on Days 25, 25, 19, 19, 34, and 35, respectively. Light and scanning microscopy facilitated detailed examinations of several organs, e.g., heart, kidneys, lungs, and intestine, whereas the alizarin technique enabled visualization of ossification. Observations in this study contributed to the knowledge regarding equine embryogenesis, and included much detailed data from many specimens collected over a long developmental interval. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (AU)