Use of real-time ultrasonography as an alternative method for early detection, confirmation and evaluation of rat pregnancy.
Researchers sometimes face difficulties in the diagnosis of pregnancy and assessment of embryonic development. Ultrasonography (US) is a non-invasive imaging method with minimal side effects on the subjects or operators. It provides real-time evaluation of the physiology of rapidly moving structures (i.e., heart) and facilitates evaluation of fetal tissue development. US discerns tissues based on composition, making it the imaging method of choice for abdominal examination. In this study we used real-time US as an alternative method for early diagnosis of pregnancy in rats. Sixty-four Wistar rats aged 16-20 wk were examined, and day 8 was the earliest point at which pregnancy could be detected. We constructed a detailed timeline of embryonic features detectable by US on days 8 to 19. We trust this index will be a valuable tool. More refined work toward a more detailed "atlas" will help to reduce animal sacrifice during embryonic development studies.
Laboratory of Animal Facilities, Centre of Experimental Surgery, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Marianna
M
Stasinopoulou
Veterinary Department, Medical Directorate of Hellenic Airforce General Staff, Athens, Greece. Electronic address: gmantziaras@yahoo.com.
George
G
Mantziaras
Laboratory of Animal Facilities, Centre of Experimental Surgery, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Euthimios
E
Paronis
Laboratory of Animal Facilities, Centre of Experimental Surgery, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Evangelos
E
Balafas
Laboratory of Animal Facilities, Centre of Experimental Surgery, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Pavlos
P
Lelovas
Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Clinical Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Athina
A
Samara
Laboratory of Animal Facilities, Centre of Experimental Surgery, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Nikolaos
N
Kostomitsopoulos
D000818:Animals; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011270:Pregnancy, Animal; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000662:veterinary*
Development; Fetal structures; Pregnancy; Rat; Ultrasonography; Wistar; “3 Rs”