ABSTRACT
Significant contributions to our understanding of the embryology and genetic control of foregut development are likely to result from basic laboratory research involving animal models of EA and TEF. The adriamycin rat model in which timed pregnant rats are administered i.p. adriamycin on gestational days 8 and 9, yields EA with distal TEF in two-thirds of fetuses.33,34 These pups also demonstrate associated anomalies belonging to the VACTERL spectrum (denoting vertebral, anorectal, cardiac, tracheo-esophageal, radial/renal and limb anomalies).
