ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of the use of local chewing tobacco in pregnancy and its effects on the weight of offsprings of mice
MATERIAL and METHODS: 20 female Swiss Albino mice were obtained and mated with male mice. After confirmation of pregnancy they were divided into two groups, group A experimental and B control. Group A was given tobacco 5 % mixed with normal diet ad libitum while group B, control was given normal diet. After birth of offsprings, 20 offsprings [10 male and 10 female] were selected randomly from group A and group B respectively. The weight of each baby mouse [offspring] was noted daily till two weeks
RESULTS: showed a significant decrease in the weight of the offsprings [both sexes] of the experimental group as compared to that of control group in both the initial [at birth] and final weight [at two weeks of age]
The mean initial weight of experimental male offsprings was found to be 1.17+/- 0.03 grams while in control group it was 1.48+/-0.05 grams. The final weight in experimental male offsprings was 8.61+/- 0.17 grams and in control group it was 11.47+/-0.08 grams. In female offsprings the mean initial weight of experimental female offsprings was found to be 1.09+/- 0.04 grams while in control group it was 1.37+/-0.05 grams. The final weight in experimental female offsprings was 7.87+/-0.06 grams, however in control group it was 11.04+/-0.18 grams. When both groups were compared statistically the difference of weight was found to be significant [p value <0.05] for both sexes. However there were no significant differences observed in gestational period and the litter size
CONCLUSION: The use of smokeless tobacco of local brand during pregnancy definitely has some adverse effects on the offsprings resulting in their low birth weight