REGULATION OF AMNIOTIC-FLUID VOLUME AND COMPOSITION IN OVINE FETUS

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 52  (6) , 689-693
Abstract
To determine the role of fetal swallowing in the control of amniotic fluid volume and composition and fetomaternal Na transport, 4 ovine fetuses of 101-129 days'' gestation had their esophagi surgically occluded. Amniotic and fetal vascular cannulas were implanted at the same time in these fetuses and in 4 intact controls. There was no difference between the amniotic Na or K of these 2 groups over the next 3 wk, at which time cesarean section was performed and the volume of amniotic fluid measured. Hydramnios did not result from esophageal atresia. After injection of 24Na into the amniotic fluid (24 h), the percentages of the dose in the fetal/maternal compartment were similar in intact and esophagus-ligated fetuses.