A morphological study on the obliteration processes of the ductus arteriosus in the horse.

The obliteration processes of the ductus arteriosus of equine foetuses and newborn foals were studied morphometrically and histologically. The length, internal and external diameters and circumference of the ductus in equine foetuses increased progressively and linearly up to 310 days with advancing foetal age, but the values, especially the internal diameter, decreased from 320 to 330 days. After birth, the ductal measurements decreased gradually and ductal closure was found in three of 14 foals examined on the first day post partum, in two of six on the second day and in nine of nine on the third day or later, suggesting that the ductus arteriosus closes physiologically within three days after birth. Microscopical findings of the ductus arteriosus were characterised by the rearrangement of smooth muscle cells in the inner media and intimal thickening in foetuses, and by the central displacement of the intima in newborn foals. It was concluded that the ductus arteriosus begins to undergo preparatory modifications during intrauterine life, when the vessel is still functional, and that the most significant starting point of change in the obliteration processes is the rearrangement of smooth muscle cells in the inner media, which occurs during pre- and post natal life.