Experimental Teratology

Moebius syndrome: Animal model—human correlations and evidence for a brainstem vascular etiology

  1. A. H. Lipson1,*,
  2. W. S. Webster2,
  3. P. D. C. Brown-Woodman3,
  4. R. A. Osborn4

Article first published online: 1 JUN 2005

DOI: 10.1002/tera.1420400406

Issue

Teratology

Teratology

Volume 40, Issue 4, pages 339–350, October 1989

Additional Information

How to Cite

Lipson, A. H., Webster, W. S., Brown-Woodman, P. D. C. and Osborn, R. A. (1989), Moebius syndrome: Animal model—human correlations and evidence for a brainstem vascular etiology. Teratology, 40: 339–350. doi: 10.1002/tera.1420400406

Author Information

  1. 1

    Genetics and Dysmorphology Unit, Children's Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia 2050

  2. 2

    Department of Anatomy, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 2006

  3. 3

    Department of Biological Sciences, Cumberland College of Health Sciences, Lidcombe, New South Wales, Australia 2141

  4. 4

    Department of Anatomical Pathology, Westmead Centre, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia 2145

*Genetics and Dysmorphology Unit, Children's Hospital, Camperdown, N.S.W., Australia 2050

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 1 JUN 2005
  2. Article first published online: 1 JUN 2005
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 3 FEB 1989
  4. Manuscript Received: 14 NOV 1988

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Abstract

The Moebius syndrome consists of congenital seventh nerve palsy associated with other cranial nerve palsies, most often of the sixth, and/or musculoskeletal abnormalities. A retrospective study of the events of pregnancy in 15 cases was undertaken, after a rat animal model showed that abdominal trauma, uterine vessel clamping and handling and hyperthermia caused bilateral brainstem lesions in fetal rats. Eight of the 15 cases surveyed included a possible associated event during pregnancy; hyperthermia, previous uterine surgery, electric shock, failed abortion, prolonged rupture of the membranes, or alcohol abuse. These events can be correlated with animal studies that involve acute uteroplacental vascular insufficiency produced by a variety of methods. The cause of most cases of Moebius syndrome is probably a transient ischemic/hypoxic insult to the fetus.

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