This proposal is designed to test the general hypothesis that fetal ultrasound exposure at clinically relevant frequencies, intensities, and dwell times is capable of heating the rat fetus by several degrees Celsius, and that this heating, if appropriately timed, is sufficient to cause neural tube defects. It initially examines the thermal environment of the pregnant rat and re-examines the issue of the teratogenic effect of maternal heating by immersion to serve as a positive control. Then it will determine the ultrasound dosimetry necessary to raise fetal temperature 5, 3, and 1 degree Celsius in an acute preparation followed by a randomized dosing sequence designed to raise fetal temperature by those amounts for 1, 5, or 10 minutes to evaluate teratogenic effect. Finally, a series of in vitro experiments using rat sarcoma cells and a clonogenic assay will be used to determine the cell killing effects of each of these thermal exposures.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
5R03HD037669-02
Application #
6182487
Study Section
Human Embryology and Development Subcommittee 1 (HED)
Program Officer
Lock, Allan
Project Start
1999-04-01
Project End
2001-11-30
Budget Start
2000-04-01
Budget End
2001-11-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
$79,500
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Rochester
Department
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Type
Schools of Dentistry
DUNS #
041294109
City
Rochester
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
14627