Epithelial and muscular regionalization of the human developing anorectum
Helga Fritsch, Felix Aigner, Barbara Ludwikowski, Sandra Reinstadler-Zankl, Romana Illig, Dieter Urbas, Christoph Schwarzer & Stefano Longato
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abstract
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In the past, interpretations of anorectal development were mainly
based on analysis of serially sectioned embryos of various nonhuman
species as well as some human specimens. A four-dimensional view of
the developmental situation in the human has never been established
nor connected to recent findings obtained from newer molecular
techniques. We, therefore, investigated human embryonic and fetal
pelves by means of immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization to
elucidate differentiation and interaction of epithelial and
mesenchymal layers of the anorectum. To emphasize spatial as well as
sequential morphological development, we produced three-dimensional
reconstructions of the specimens at hand. Research conducted proved
that the decisive steps of epithelial and muscular differentiation
occur between the 7th and 9th week after conception. This study
elucidates a biphasic epithelial "closure" in the anal
canal and interactions between epithelium, smooth musculature, and
skeletal musculature. Based on the results presented here, it is
possible to describe the pathogenesis of two anorectal
malformations: the imperforate anal membrane and the anal membrane
stenosis. This study will now provide the basis for further research
into developmental processes occurring before the ones examined.
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citation
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Fritsch H, Aigner F, Ludwikowski B, Reinstadler-Zankl S, Illig R,
Urbas D, Schwarzer C, Longato S. Epithelial and muscular
regionalization of the human developing anorectum. Anat Rec
(Hoboken) 2007; 290:1449-58.
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type
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journal paper/review (English)
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date of publishing
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11-2007
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journal title
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Anat Rec (Hoboken) (290/11)
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ISSN print
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1932-8486
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pages
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1449-58
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PubMed
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17853405
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DOI
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10.1002/ar.20589
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