Sequential Pattern of Prenatal Ossification in the Fore Limb Bones in White New Zealand Rabbits by Double Stained Techniques and Computed Tomography

Abstract

The study was conducted to detect the sites of primary ossification centers and their sequence of appearance in the forelimb bones of white New Zealand rabbit’s fetuses (Oryctolagus cuniculus) by using double staining method and computed tomography. The results showed that the complete chondrification of the primitive bone of the forelimb scapula, humerus, radius and ulna, carpus, metacarpus and phalanx at 16^th days postcoitum. The primary ossification centers of the forelimb firstly appeared in the diaphyses of radius and ulna, humerus and at two centers of scapula at 18^th days, the ossification centers at metacarpus from I to III appeared at 22^nd days, but in metacarpus of IV and V at 30^th days postcoitum. The appearance of ungual phalanx at 22^nd days postcoitum, but the ossification centers of the first three phalanges begin to appear at 30^th postcoitum. By the end of 30^th days, the ossification occurred at the most parts of scapula except the glenoid cavity, also the ossification of humerus, radius and ulna begin to appear at epiphysis. This study can provide useful baseline information on the normal sequential pattern of chondrification and ossification in the forelimb in rabbit’s fetuses by the computed tomography CT, and double stained technique.