Neurofilament formation and synaptic activity are delayed in the myenteric neurons of the rat fetus with gastroschisis

Gastroschisis is a malformation characterized by prenatal evisceration of the midgut into the amniotic cavity. Because of the harmful effects of the amniotic fluid, the intestinal loops appear matted, thickened, and covered by a peel. At birth, the newborn presents altered intestinal motility. In a previous publication, we reported a delay in the myenteric ganglia organization and neuronal maturity in a rat model of gastroschisis. In the present study, the neurofilament formation and synaptic activity were immunohistochemically investigated in the myenteric neurons of this animal model. The expression of low, medium and high molecular weight neurofilament proteins and of a protein of the synaptic vesicles, the synaptophysin, were similar to those found at earlier embryonic ages. These findings demonstrate delayed cytoskeletal organization and reduced synaptic activity in the myenteric neurons in the rat model of gastroschisis. © 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.