Reduction in neural injury with earlier delivery in a mouse model of congenital myelomeningocele: laboratory investigation.

Object: The authors undertook this study to assess the effect of preterm delivery with respect to neural protection in a congenital myelomeningocele (MMC) mouse model.

Methods: After confirmation of pregnancy in 15 female mice, a congenital MMC model was produced by administration of retinoic acid on the 7th day of gestation. The pregnant mice underwent cesarean sections on Days 15 (n = 5, Group E15), 17 (n = 5, Group E17), and 19 (n = 5, Group E19).