Abnormal Expression of Fgf9 during the Development of the Anorectum in Rat Embryos with Anorectal Malformations

Figure 3

(a, b) On E15, the epithelium of the URS in normal embryos had fused with CM, leading to the separation of the hindgut and urethra. Fgf9 immunolabeled cells were expressed mainly in the rectal epithelium, CM, and the fusion site of URS and CM. (c, d) In the ARM embryos, there was a fistula between the hindgut and urethra. Fgf9-positive cells were scattered within the mesenchyme of URS and were not present in the epithelium. URS: urorectal septum; H: hindgut; U: urethra; CM: cloacal membrane; F: fistula). Original magnification: ×100 (a, c); ×200 (b, d).

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