Fetal resorption (also known as fetus resorption) is the disintegration and assimilation of one or more fetuses in the uterus at any stage after the completion of organogenesis, which, in humans, is after the ninth week of gestation. Before organogenesis, the process is called embryo resorption.[1] Resorption is more likely to happen early on in the gestation than later on; a later death of a fetus is likely to result in a miscarriage.[2]
In rodents
[edit]Fetal resorption in rats is common. Non-viable concepti are generally resorbed instead of aborted (miscarriage) like in humans. Factors that make it more common, sometimes to the point of infertility, include:
- Vitamin E deficiency. In fact, this class of vitamin was originally identified by its lack causing infertility in rats.[3] A deficiency of many other vitamins as well as some minerals such as copper can also cause fetal resorption.[4][5]
- Administration of antiestrogens,[6] removal of ovaries.[4]
- Various other drugs or toxins including trypan blue and sweet peas.[4]
- Inflammation caused by e.g. lipopolysaccharide, interleukin 4, and interleukin 12.[7][8]
In canines
[edit]In 1998, an ultrasound study found that the resorption of one or two conceptuses happen in up to 10% of all dog pregnancies,[2] although many cases of assumed complete resorption of an entire litter are likely to have just been the bitch experiencing a pseudopregnancy.[2][9]
See also
[edit]- Vanishing twin syndrome
- Lithopedion, calcified body of a dead fetus
References
[edit]- ^ "Fetal Resorption". Medical Subject Headings. National Library of Medicine. MeSH D005327. Retrieved 25 August 2025.
- ^ a b c Feldman, Edward C.; Nelson, Richard William (2004). "Spontaneous abortion and resorption of fetuses". Canine and Feline Endocrinology and Reproduction. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 811. ISBN 978-0-7216-9315-6.
- ^ Evans HM, Bishop KS (December 1922). "On the existence of a hitherto unrecognized dietary factor essential for reproduction". Science. 56 (1458): 650–1. Bibcode:1922Sci....56..650E. doi:10.1126/science.56.1458.650. JSTOR 1647181. PMID 17838496. Archived from the original on 27 October 2022. Retrieved 13 December 2020.
- ^ a b c Telford, Ira R.; Woodruff, Caroline S.; Linford, Ray H. (January 1962). "Fetal resorption in the rat as influenced by certain antioxidants". American Journal of Anatomy. 110 (1): 29–36. doi:10.1002/aja.1001100104. PMID 13920140.
- ^ Howell, J. McC.; Hall, G. A. (March 1969). "Histological observations on foetal resorption in copper-deficient rats". British Journal of Nutrition. 23 (1): 47–50. doi:10.1079/bjn19690008. PMID 5766792.
- ^ USA (2018-05-01). "Fetal resorption in rats treated with an antiestrogen in relation to luteal phase nidatory estrogen secretion". Acta Endocrinol. 126 (5): 444–50. doi:10.1530/acta.0.1260444. PMID 1621490.
- ^ Gendron, R. L.; Nestel, F. P.; Lapp, W. S.; Baines, M. G. (1 November 1990). "Lipopolysaccharide-induced fetal resorption in mice is associated with the intrauterine production of tumour necrosis factor-alpha". Reproduction. 90 (2): 395–402. doi:10.1530/jrf.0.0900395. PMID 2250238.
- ^ Hayakawa, Satoshi; Fujikawa, Tomoyuki; Fukuoka, Hideoki; Chisima, Fumihisa; Karasaki-Suzuki, Miki; Ohkoshi, Emika; Ohi, Hiroyuki; Kiyoshi Fujii, Tom; Tochigi, Meijin; Satoh, Kazuo; Shimizu, Takako; Nishinarita, Susumu; Nemoto, Norimichi; Sakurai, Isamu (July 2000). "Murine fetal resorption and experimental pre-eclampsia are induced by both excessive Th1 and Th2 activation". Journal of Reproductive Immunology. 47 (2): 121–138. doi:10.1016/s0165-0378(00)00053-x. PMID 10924746.
- ^ Soares, Xenia (13 May 2018). "Guide to Puppy Absorption (Canine Fetal Resorption)".
External links
[edit]- Fetal Resorption at the U.S. National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
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