ROLE OF FETAL DEGLUTITION AND MICTURITION IN PRODUCTION AND TURNOVER OF AMNIOTIC-FLUID IN MONKEY

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 48  (2) , 177-181
Abstract
In order to determine the precise role played by the absence of fetal swallowing or urine contribution in the disposal and production of amniotic fluid, the fetal esophagus in 5 monkeys [Macaca mulatta] and the urethra in 2 monkeys were surgically occluded. The amniotic fluid volume was then measured daily with an indicator dilution technique. Sham operations were performed on 3 monkeys of similar gestational age. In late pregnancy failure of fetal deglutition resulted in transient hydramnios which appeared to be followed by a readjustment in water exchange rates in other pathways by which the amniotic fluid volume returned to normal range. In midpregnancy fetal deglutition seems to have no appreciable effect upon the amniotic fluid volume. Diversion of fetal urine appeared to result in a persistend decrease in the volume of the amniotic fluid.