INJECTION TECHNIQUE AND SCANNING ELECTRON-MICROSCOPIC STUDY OF THE ARTERIAL PATTERN OF THE 20 GESTATION DAYS (G20) RAT FETUS

A technique to obtain microvascular corrosion casts of the G20 rat fet us and the normal pattern of the main arteries of the G20 rat fetus ar e described. The casts were studied by means of scanning electron micr oscopy (SEM). The arterial pattern is similar to that described in the adult; however, several variations have been found. It is concluded t hat the use of vascular corrosion casts studied by SEM may be particul arly helpful to observe the extremely small arteries of rat fetuses. M oreover, we suggest that this technique may be useful in practical ter atological studies.