URETHRAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE FETAL RABBIT AND INDUCTION OF HYPOSPADIAS: A MODEL FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Fetal development of the rabbit phallus and urethra is homologous to the human. Although the gestational period is significantly shorter, the temporospatial pattern of external genitalia development is analogous in these species. Feminization of the rabbit urethra, hypospadias, can be induced by inhibiting 5alpha-reductase. Use of this animal model will allow further study of molecular mechanisms involved in urethral fusion and the evaluation of the pathophysiological processes of hypospadias.