Abstract
ABSTRACT: To explain the reported predisposition to germinal matrix hemorrhage in premature infants, pathogenetically important morphological features of the germinal matrix should be present in the 3rd trimester and rapidly change near term. Such features were sought in this study of the germinal matrix and its vasculature in normal rhesus monkey fetuses. The matrix cells, glia, ependyma, and capillaries showed no important structural changes during the 3rd trimester. The terminal vein tributaries were greatly enlarged by 148 days, but cellular and collagen support in their walls was minimal at this time. The latter features developed by the final days of gestation. These findings do not support a structural immaturity or specialization of the germinal matrix predisposing to germinal matrix hemorrhage. Our results, therefore, support the recent emphasis on physiological parameters in the pathogenesis and prevention of germinal matrix hemorrhage.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Lenn, N., Whitmore, L. Gestational Changes in the Germinal Matrix of the Normal Rhesus Monkey Fetus. Pediatr Res 19, 130–135 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198501000-00034
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198501000-00034
This article is cited by
-
Immunolocalization of tight junction proteins in blood vessels in human germinal matrix and cortex
Histochemistry and Cell Biology (2007)