Colonic atresia without mesenteric vascular occlusion. The role of the fibroblast growth factor 10 signaling pathway

The absence of embryonic expression of Fgf10 or its receptor Fgfr2b results in colonic atresia in mice. India ink microinjection is a direct measure of mesenteric arterial patency. Colonic atresia in the Fgf10−/− and Fgfr2b−/− mutants occurs despite normal mesenteric vascular development. Thus the atresia is not the result of a mesenteric vascular occlusion. The patent colonic mesentery of the Fgf10−/− and Fgfr2b−/− mutants challenges an accepted pathogenesis of intestinal atresia. Although colonic atresia can occur as a result of vascular occlusion, new evidence exists to suggest that a genetic mechanism may play a role in the pathogenesis of this disease.