Experimentally induced axial dysraphism and anorectal malformation in male rat fetuses by intragastric administration of ethylenethiourea.

Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were separated into two groups. In the experimental group, single intragastric doses of ethylenethiourea (ETU) were given on the 11th day of gestation. In the control group, a single intragastric dose of distilled water was given on the same day of gestation. Fetuses were recovered on day 20 of gestation, and were prepared for dissection and light microscopy. A high incidence of axial dysraphic disorders (omphalocele and rachischisis) and imperforate anus with recto-urethral fistula were noted in experimental male rat fetuses obtained from dams subjected to varying doses of ETU.