Hemorrhages Induced by Amniocentesis and Vascular Clamping in the Limbs of Rat Fetuses

Abstract

Hemorrhages in the foot plates of fetal rats following amniotic sac puncture on day 15 of gestation were compared with those appearing after uterine vessel clamping for one hour, Intensity and frequency of hemorrhages in the puncture group were more than those resulting after clamping. Hemorrhages were homogeneous in the clamping group whereas these showed alternate concentric rings of dense and light hemorrhagic zones in the puncture group. In the clamping group blood vessels were more engorged and discontinuity of endothelium was seen. It appeared that the concentric rings of dense and light hemorrhagic areas resulted from bouts of uterine contraction after leakage of the amniotic fluid in the puncture group.