Study of the density of ganglion cells in the terminal bowel of rats with anorectal malformations.

Purpose: To study the ganglion cells (GC) in the terminal bowel of rats with ethylenethiourea (ETU) induced anorectal malformations (ARM).

Methods: The animals were divided into three groups: Group A--normal fetuses from pregnant rats that were not administered ETU; Group B--fetuses without ARM born from pregnant rats that were administered ETU and Group C--fetuses with ARM born from pregnant rats that received ETU. ETU was administered on the 11th day of pregnancy at the dose of 125 mg/kg body weight by gastric gavage. The rats had cesarean section on the 21st day of gestation. The fetuses terminal bowel tissue was analyzed by immunohistochemistry to demonstrate ganglion cells.

Results: Statistically significant differences were found between groups A, B and C regarding ganglion cell densities. Group A had the highest cell density, followed by Group B and the lowest density was found in Group C.

Conclusion: Ganglion cell densities are decreased in the terminal bowel of rats with ARM.