Studies of the pathophysiology of gastroschisis in fetal sheep

An experimental model of gastroschisis has been developed in fetal lambs which grossly and microscopically resembles this anomaly in human infants. Histologic studies of the exposed eviscerated intestine demonstrate interstitial edema without cellular infiltration which appear to result from contact with amniotic fluid. The specific damage to the myenteric ganglion cells and a progressive disappearance of ATPase in the muscle of exposed bowel strongly suggest an alteration in neural conduction and a decrease in contractile potential. Preliminary enzyme studies show concomitant abnormalities in intracellular enzymes within the mucosa of the exposed bowel.