Microcomputed Tomography in the Adriamycin Rat Model of Malformations—Preliminary Results

Background: Adriamycin, a chemotherapy drug, was first shown to induce malformations in rat embryos in 1978, with subsequent studies focusing on the development of esophageal atresia. Recently, we examined early tracheal development in healthy rat embryos using microcomputed tomography, which is useful for visualizing the morphology during embryonic development. Here, we use this technique to show malformations in rat embryos after Adriamycin treatment in the form of an atlas. Methods: Pregnant rats received Adriamycin [1.75 mg/kg body weight] intraperitoneally once daily from day 7 to 9. The embryos were harvested between the 16th and 21st embryonic day, fixed in Bouin’s solution and subsequently dried in a critical point dryer. The dried embryos were scanned using microcomputed tomography. Existing datasets of normal embryos served as controls. Results: The embryos affected by Adriamycin showed a broad spectrum of malformations that have only partially been described in previous publications. Our preliminary data show a large number of malformations that can be attributed to the VACTERL association (Vertebral, Anorectal, Cardiac, Tracheoesophageal, Renal, and Limb anomalies). In addition, cardiovascular malformations have been observed that may directly affect the esophageal/tracheal morphology. Conclusion: Micro CT imaging used in Adriamycin-affected embryos shows the full spectrum of induced malformations.