title: Techniques for observing fetal behavior in utero: a comparison of chemomyelotomy and spinal transection.
abstract: Two procedures--chemomyelotomy and spinal transection--have been utilized to chemically block or physically sever the spinal cord of pregnant rats, enabling direct observation of fetal behavior without the use of anesthesia. The effect of each procedure on fetal behavior was studied at four gestational ages (Days 17, 18, 19, and 20). Substantial differences in fetal activity were found between chemomyelotomy and spinal transection groups, including differences in the overall level of activity as well as the pattern of developmental change of behavior. Such differential effects indicate that chemomyelotomy and spinal transection are not equivalent maternal preparations in the study of fetal behavior.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D008954:Models, Biological; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011270:Pregnancy, Animal; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000502:physiology*