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

Figure 4

(a, b) On E16, the cloacal membrane ruptured and the rectum communicated with the outside world in normal embryos. Fgf9-positive cells were seen at the intestinal epithelium and the fusion area, but the intensity of immune reaction was obviously weakened. (c, d) In the ARM embryos, the URS had not fused with the cloacal membrane; there was only sporadic Fgf9 cell distribution in the mesenchyme of URS and rectum. URS: urorectal septum; H: hindgut; U: urethra; F: fistula. Original magnification: ×100 (a, c); ×200 (b, d).

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