The effect of amniocentesis and drainage of amniotic fluid on lung development in Macacafascicularis

  1. ALISON HISLOP Research Fellow 1,*,
  2. D. V. I. FAIRWEATHER Professor 1,
  3. R. J. BLACKWELL Deputy Chief Physicist 2,
  4. SUSAN HOWARD Senior MLSO 1

Article first published online: 23 AUG 2005

DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1984.tb03693.x

Issue

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Volume 91, Issue 9, pages 835–842, September 1984

Additional Information

How to Cite

HISLOP, A., FAIRWEATHER, D. V. I., BLACKWELL, R. J. and HOWARD, S. (1984), The effect of amniocentesis and drainage of amniotic fluid on lung development in Macacafascicularis. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 91: 835–842. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1984.tb03693.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, niversity College London

  2. 2

    Departments of Medical Physics and Bioengineering, School of Medicine, niversity College London

* A. Hislop, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 88–96 Chenies Mews, London WC1E6HX.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 23 AUG 2005
  2. Article first published online: 23 AUG 2005
  3. Received 7 December 1983 Accepted 5 February 1984

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Summary. Amniocentesis and withdrawal of amniotic fluid was performed on pregnant monkeys (Macaco fascicularis) at two stages in development, either between 47 and 64, or between 85 and 95 days gestation. After birth the lungs of each infant monkey were studied using precise morphometric techniques, and compared with those in a control group of animals. The lungs after amniocentesis had alveoli of normal maturity but reduced in number and increased in size, features which both reduce the relative area for gas exchange. There was also a reduction in the number of respiratory airways. These changes occurred regardless of the time of amniocentesis, the amount of fluid removed and even if the membranes were simply punctured with no fluid removal. There is some evidence to suggest that similar sublethal effects may be present in human infants after maternal amniocentesis.

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