Experimental first‐trimester amniocentesis in nonhuman primates

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Abstract
The effects of amniocentesis prior to palate closure were investigated in Macaca irus embryos. Nine embryos were used as operated controls, being obtained by hysterotomy on consecutive days from 39 to 47 of development; nine animals composed the experimental group, in which amniocentesis was carried out via a laparotomy approach from day 39 to 47, and the fluid used for cytological investigations; nine unoperated pregnant animals, chosen at random from consecutive births in the colony, provided a further control group. Radiographs of experimental fetuses at regular intervals after amniocentesis revealed one instance of postural moulding which assumed a normal position within 2 months. Histological examination of the operated control embryos confirmed that experimental amniocentesis covered the 9 days immediately preceding palate closure. All nine of the animals in the amniocentesis group were delivered by Cesarean section at term, and found free of gross abnormalities. From birth until 6 months these were compared with the normal controls. Birth weights and sizes fell within the normal range, and at 6 months there were no features to distinguish between the experimental and control groups in any aspect of growth or development.