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Objective:To investigate the effects of different levels of iodine intake on thyroid function in Wistar rats after pregnancy, and to provide experimental basis for scientific supplementation of iodine and thyroid function screening during pregnancy.Methods:One hundred and fifty female SPF Wistar rats weaned for 2 weeks were selected. Female Wistar rats were intervened with iodine nutrition by drinking deionized water containing potassium iodide (KI). According to the random number table, female Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups [severe iodine deficiency (SID) group, mild iodine deficiency (MID) group, control group (NI), mild iodine excess (MIE) group, and severe iodine excess (SIE) group, 30 rats per group]. The iodine doses of the five groups were 0.0, 1.5, 5.5, 70.0 and 350.0 μg/d, respectively. The animal model was established and intervened for 3 months to detect the 24 h urinary iodine content of rats, and compared with the NI group to determine the success of the model or not. After successful modeling, the tested female Wistar rats were mated with male Wistar rats (female : male=2-3 : 1). There were about 15 pregnant rats in each group, and continued to intervene the pregnant rats for 21 d with the same doses as the modeling conditions. The abdominal aortic blood of non-pregnant and pregnant rats was taken. After serum separation, 5 items [free thyroxine (FT 4), free triiodothyronine (FT 3), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb)] of serum thyroid function were detected in each group. Results:There was significant difference in urinary iodine content between the five groups (the medians urinary iodine were 3.540, 51.410, 286.801, 644.192 and 2 368.701, respectively, H = 94.791, P < 0.01). Rats with different iodine nutrition levels were successfully established. There were no significant differences in TSH level, TPOAb and double antibodies positive rates of non-pregnant rats among groups ( P > 0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the levels of FT 4, FT 3 and the positive rate of TgAb among groups ( P < 0.05). The level of FT 4 in SID group was lower than that in NI group ( P < 0.05). The level of FT 3 in SID group was higher than that in NI group ( P < 0.05). The positive rate of TgAb in SIE group was higher than that in NI group ( P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in TSH, FT 4 and FT 3 levels of pregnant rats among groups ( P > 0.05). There were significant differences in the positive rates of TgAb, TPOAb and double antibodies among the groups ( P < 0.05). The positive rates of TgAb, TPOAb and double antibodies in MIE and SIE groups were higher than those in NI group ( P < 0.05). The positive rate of TPOAb in MIE group was higher than that in NI group ( P < 0.05), and the positive rates of double antibodies in MID and MIE groups were higher than that in NI group ( P < 0.05). Conclusions:Iodine deficiency can lead to the change of thyroid hormone level in non pregnant rats, while iodine excess can increase the positive rate of related antibodies in non pregnant and pregnant rats.
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Objective To investigate the correlation between cognitive development and levels of dopamine(DA) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid(DOPAC)in the hippocampus of 80-day-old neonatal rats born of fear-impaired pregnant rats. Methods The pregnant rat model of fear-impaired kidney was established by watching other rats shocked with electricity. The cognitive development of the neonatal rats was assessed by Morris water maze test at 80 days after birth. The brain microdialysis samples of the right hippocampus were collected using a stereotaxic instrument, and the levels of DA and DOPAC were determined by HPLC-ECD. Results Compared with the control group, the mean escape latency of the 80-day-old neonatal rats in the model group was increased. Their swimming speed was slower. The 20% time spent in the peripheral zone became longer, and the frequency of platform crossing was decreased, showing significant differences(P< 0.05). The levels of DA and DOPAC in the extracellular fluid of the hippocampus of the 80-day-old neonatal rats in the model group were decreased at each time points of perfusion, showing a significant difference(P <0.05). The level of DA, a kind of monoamine neurotransmitter in the hippocampus, was positively correlated with the mean escape latency,the frequency of passing the platform of the 80-day-old rats,while was negatively correlated with the 20% time spent in the peripheral zone, with a significant correlation(P < 0.05). In addition, there was a positive correlation between the DOPAC level and the mean escape latency, the frequency of passing the platform(P< 0.05). Conclusions Fear-impaired pregnant rats can affect the spatial learning and memory ability of their 80-day-old neonatal rats,with reduction in the levels of DA and DOPAC in the hippocampus, which is closely correlated with the cognitive development of the neonatal rats.
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Objectives To systematically evaluate the effect of music given to pregnant rats on the development of brain functions in the offspring rats and to provide scientific evidence for the application of antenatal musical training and the promotion of welfare for laboratory animals.Methods We comprehensively retrieved and collected the research literatures related to the effect of music on brain function development in offsprings of the pregnant rats from Pubmed,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,Wanfang,Weipu,CNKI and CBMdisc.The retrieval time was set from the foundation date of databases to 2 April,2016.We selected literatures according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,evaluated their utilities,then extracted and qualitatively described the data.Results Seven experimental studies were selected in this study including 4 published in Chinese and 3 in English.The object laboratory animals of those studies were Wistar or SD rats.Music materials involved comfort music,classic music,violin concerto(Liangzhu/The butterfly lovers).Intervention were given to the pregnant rats roundly from the gestation until parturition.These results showed that,to some extent,music stimulations during gestation may promote the development of brain function and improve spatial memory of the offspring rats.However,expressions of some functional receptors were not significantly altered.Conclusions Appropriate music provided to the pregnant rats promote the development of brain functions in their offspring.
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OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect of okra extract on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) rats and its probable molecular mechanism.@*METHODS@#A total of 30 female SD rats were caged with male rats for pregnancy, 27 pregnant rats were obtained and weighed. The pregnant rats were equally randomized into the control group, GDM group and intervention group. Once the pregnancy was verified, GDM group and intervention group were given 45 mg/kg streptozotocin by peritoneal injection for inducing GDM, control group was given equal volume of citrate buffer. Once the model was established successfully, intervention group was administered orally the solution containing 200 mg/kg/d okra extract, the other groups were given the diet and water only. On the 19th day of pregnancy, the blood samples and fetal rats of all groups were collected, fetal rats weight and placental weight was recorded and the serum glucose, lipids, serum insulin and C-peptide of pregnant rats before the delivery were determined.@*RESULTS@#The pregnant rats weight before the delivery, fetal rats weight and placental weight of GDM group were lower than control group and intervention group (P 0.05). Antioxidant enzymes levels of GDM group in liver and pancreas tissues were lower than the other groups, and after treatment of okra extract, antioxidant enzymes levels in liver and pancreas tissues were equivalent to control group (P > 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Okra extract, rich in antioxidant substances, could avoid the excessive consuming of antioxidant enzymes, then, suppresses the oxidative stress and insulin resistance, thereby improving blood glucose level of GDM rats.
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Objective: To explore the effect of okra extract on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) rats and its probable molecular mechanism. Methods: A total of 30 female SD rats were caged with male rats for pregnancy, 27 pregnant rats were obtained and weighed. The pregnant rats were equally randomized into the control group, GDM group and intervention group. Once the pregnancy was verified, GDM group and intervention group were given 45 mg/kg streptozotocin by peritoneal injection for inducing GDM, control group was given equal volume of citrate buffer. Once the model was established successfully, intervention group was administered orally the solution containing 200 mg/kg/d okra extract, the other groups were given the diet and water only. On the 19th day of pregnancy, the blood samples and fetal rats of all groups were collected, fetal rats weight and placental weight was recorded and the serum glucose, lipids, serum insulin and C-peptide of pregnant rats before the delivery were determined. Results: The pregnant rats weight before the delivery, fetal rats weight and placental weight of GDM group were lower than control group and intervention group (P 0.05). Antioxidant enzymes levels of GDM group in liver and pancreas tissues were lower than the other groups, and after treatment of okra extract, antioxidant enzymes levels in liver and pancreas tissues were equivalent to control group (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Okra extract, rich in antioxidant substances, could avoid the excessive consuming of antioxidant enzymes, then, suppresses the oxidative stress and insulin resistance, thereby improving blood glucose level of GDM rats.
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Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous substances that alter the structure or function of the endocrine system. 4-Tert-octylphenol (OP) is one of the most representative EDCs and has estrogenic effects. In this study, we examined the effects of ethinyl estradiol (EE) and OP on the pituitary gland, placenta, and uterus of pregnant rats. Expression levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), oxytocin (OT), and contraction-associated proteins (CAPs) were determined, and uterine contractile activity was measured by uterine contraction assay. EE and OP both increased mRNA expression of OT and hCG in the pituitary gland but not the placenta. Since OT and hCG control uterine contraction, we next examined CAP expression in the uterus. Expression of 15-hydroxyprostaglandin-dehydrogenase (PGDH) was upregulated by OP, whereas expression of other CAPs was unaffected. To clarify the effect of OP on uterine contraction in pregnant rats, uterine contraction assay was performed. The 17beta-Estradiol (E2) did not affect contraction of primary uterine cells harvested from pregnant rats in a 3D collagen gel model. However, OP showed different effects from E2 by significantly reducing contraction activity. In summary, we demonstrated that OP interferes with regulation of OT and hCG in the pituitary gland as well as PGDH in the uterus, thereby reducing uterine contraction activity. This result differs from the action of endogenous E2. Collectively, these findings suggest that exposure to EDCs such as OP during pregnancycan reduce uterine contractile ability, which may result in contraction-associated adverse effects such as metratonia, bradytocia, and uterine leiomyomata.
Subject(s)
Animals , Rats , Chorionic Gonadotropin , Collagen , Endocrine System , Estradiol , Estrogens , Ethinyl Estradiol , Oxytocin , Pituitary Gland , Placenta , RNA, Messenger , Uterine Contraction , UterusABSTRACT
Silver nanoparticles (size: 7.9 +/- 0.95 nm, dosage: 250 mg/kg) were orally administered to pregnant rats. At 4 days after parturition, four pups were randomly selected (one pup from one dam) and silver level in liver, kidney, lung and brain was determined by ICP-MS and electron microscope. As results, silver nanoparticles highly accumulated in the tissues of the pups. Silver level in the treated group was 132.4 +/- 43.9 ng/g in the kidney (12.3 fold compared to control group), 37.3 +/- 11.3 ng/g in the liver (7.9 fold), 42.0 +/- 8.6 ng/g in the lung (5.9 fold), and 31.1 +/- 4.3 ng/g in the brain (5.4 fold). This result suggested that the possible transfer of silver nanoparticles from pregnant dams to the fetus through mainly placenta.
Subject(s)
Animals , Rats , Brain , Electrons , Fetus , Kidney , Liver , Lung , Nanoparticles , Parturition , Placenta , SilverABSTRACT
Objective To investigate whether pregnant rats exposure to ketamine cause offspring changes in space cognitive abilities and exploration abilities.Methods 3-month Sprague-Dawley female rats ( n =24)were randomly divided into four groups:group N (control group),group K1 (small doses of ketamine group),group K2 ( clinical anesthesia dose of ketamine group),group K3 ( large doses of ketamine group).3-month Sprague-Dawley male rats ( n =4) and female rats were mated at the same cage by the proportion of 2∶ 1.Pregnant mice were treated at tenth day:group N were treated saline with equal-volume to ketamine vein injection; group K1,group K2,group K3 administered vein injection 3,8,20mg/kg of ketamine.Then the 20-day offspring rats'learning and memory were assessed used Open Field Test ( record the time of the offspring in the central case through the number of grid within 2 min ) and Hole Board Test ( Counting the times of offspring stretch into the hole in 5 min) at postnatal days 20.Results In the Open Field Test,the retention time in central check of group N,group K2 and group K3 were (2.45 ± 1.23)s,(6.42 ±2.50)s,(6.41 ±2.19)s.Compared with group N,the retention time in central check of group K2 and group K3 were significantly higher (F=13.42,P＜0.01 ),and group K1 were not significant different ( t =1.33,P＞0.01 ),and the locomotion of group K1,group K2,group K3 were significantly reduced( ( 15.33 ± 6.81 ),( 13.75 ± 5.93 ),( 16.92 ± 6.54 ),F =4.24,P ＜ 0.05 ).In the Hole Board Test,the times of offspring stretch into the hole were not significant different comparing with the control group(F=2.17,P ＞ 0.05 ).Conclusion The dose of ketamine that equivalented clinical anesthesia can affect offspring rats' space cognitive abilities; but the exploring cognitive ability were not significantly influenced.
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Epidemiological studies have implicated maternal protein-calorie deficiency as an important public health problem in developing countries. Over the last decades, a remarkable diffusion of electricity and an increased level of the electromagnetic field (EMF) in the environment have characterized modern societies. Therefore, researchers are concerned with the biological effects of 50-60 Hz, EMF. The aim of this paper is to show the effects of EMF of 60 Hz, 3 μT, exposure for two hours per day in the regulation of the hormonal and metabolic concentrations in pregnant rats, which were fed by Regional Basic Diet (RBD) during their pregnancy as compared with pregnant rats fed a standard diet. Pregnant rats exposed to EMF of 60 Hz, 3 μT, over the pregnancy and fed with RBD presented an increase in glucose release when compared with the Group subjected only to the RBD ration. Rats fed RBD presented a decrease in their insulin and cortisol serum levels when compared with the Group fed with casein. The T3 and T4 concentrations presented the greatest variation among the Groups. The relation T4:T3 was much exaggerated in the Group subjected to RDB and exposed to EMF when compared to the others. In conclusion, the group subjected to the association of EMF and undernutrition suffered a decrease in its serum concentration of T4 and T3 when compared to the well-nourished group and the relationship T4:T3 in the former group was almost eighteen-fold the later one.
Estudos epidemiológicos têm mostrado que a deficiência proteico-calórica é um importante problema nos países em desenvolvimento. Durante as últimas décadas, a sociedade moderna tem sido caracterizada pelo aumento no número de equipamentos elétricos e como consequência um aumento no nível do campo eletromagnético (CEM) no ambiente. No entanto, os pesquisadores estão preocupados com os efeitos biológicos dos CEM de 50-60 Hz. O objetivo deste artigo é mostrar os efeitos do CEM de 60 Hz, 3 μT, nas concentrações hormonais e metabólicas de ratas prenhes, expostas duas horas por dia ao CEM, alimentadas pela Dieta Básica Regional (DBR) comparando com ratas submetidas às mesmas condições, mas alimentas com dieta padrão. Ratas prenhes expostas ao CEM de 60 Hz, 3 μT, durante a prenhez e alimentadas com a DBR apresentaram um aumento na liberação de glicose quando comparadas com o grupo alimentado pela DBR sem CEM. As ratas alimentadas pela DBR apresentaram uma diminuição nos níveis de insulina e cortisol quando comparadas com o grupo alimentado pela caseína. As concentrações de T3 e T4 apresentaram a maior variação entre os grupos. A relação T4:T3 foi muito exagerada no grupo alimentado pela DBR e exposto ao CEM quando comparado com os outros. Conclusão, os animais que foram submetidos à desnutrição e ao CEM sofreram uma diminuição na concentração sérica de T4 e T3 quando comparados com os animais bem nutridos e a relação T4:T3 no primeiro grupo foi quase 18 vezes a relação de T4:T3 no grupo bem nutrido.
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Pregnancy , Rats , Electromagnetic Fields/adverse effects , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/blood , Protein-Energy Malnutrition/blood , Hydrocortisone/blood , Hydrocortisone/radiation effects , Insulin/blood , Insulin/radiation effects , Rats, Wistar , Time Factors , Thyroxine/blood , Thyroxine/radiation effects , Triiodothyronine/blood , Triiodothyronine/radiation effectsABSTRACT
Epidemiological studies have implicated maternal protein-calorie deficiency as an important public health problem in developing countries. Over the last decades, a remarkable diffusion of electricity and an increased level of the electromagnetic field (EMF) in the environment have characterized modern societies. Therefore, researchers are concerned with the biological effects of 50-60 Hz, EMF. The aim of this paper is to show the effects of EMF of 60 Hz, 3 T, exposure for two hours per day in the regulation of the hormonal and metabolic concentrations in pregnant rats, which were fed by Regional Basic Diet (RBD) during their pregnancy as compared with pregnant rats fed a standard diet. Pregnant rats exposed to EMF of 60 Hz, 3 T, over the pregnancy and fed with RBD presented an increase in glucose release when compared with the Group subjected only to the RBD ration. Rats fed RBD presented a decrease in their insulin and cortisol serum levels when compared with the Group fed with casein. The T3 and T4 concentrations presented the greatest variation among the Groups. The relation T4:T3 was much exaggerated in the Group subjected to RDB and exposed to EMF when compared to the others. In conclusion, the group subjected to the association of EMF and undernutrition suffered a decrease in its serum concentration of T4 and T3 when compared to the well-nourished group and the relationship T4:T3 in the former group was almost eighteen-fold the later one.
Estudos epidemiológicos têm mostrado que a deficiência proteico-calórica é um importante problema nos países em desenvolvimento. Durante as últimas décadas, a sociedade moderna tem sido caracterizada pelo aumento no número de equipamentos elétricos e como consequência um aumento no nível do campo eletromagnético (CEM) no ambiente. No entanto, os pesquisadores estão preocupados com os efeitos biológicos dos CEM de 50-60 Hz. O objetivo deste artigo é mostrar os efeitos do CEM de 60 Hz, 3 T, nas concentrações hormonais e metabólicas de ratas prenhes, expostas duas horas por dia ao CEM, alimentadas pela Dieta Básica Regional (DBR) comparando com ratas submetidas às mesmas condições, mas alimentas com dieta padrão. Ratas prenhes expostas ao CEM de 60 Hz, 3 T, durante a prenhez e alimentadas com a DBR apresentaram um aumento na liberação de glicose quando comparadas com o grupo alimentado pela DBR sem CEM. As ratas alimentadas pela DBR apresentaram uma diminuição nos níveis de insulina e cortisol quando comparadas com o grupo alimentado pela caseína. As concentrações de T3 e T4 apresentaram a maior variação entre os grupos. A relação T4:T3 foi muito exagerada no grupo alimentado pela DBR e exposto ao CEM quando comparado com os outros. Conclusão, os animais que foram submetidos à desnutrição e ao CEM sofreram uma diminuição na concentração sérica de T4 e T3 quando comparados com os animais bem nutridos e a relação T4:T3 no primeiro grupo foi quase 18 vezes a relação de T4:T3 no grupo bem nutrido.
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Objective To investigate the effects of early pregnancy exposure to hazardous indoor air pollutants due to interior decoration and hyperthermia on neurobehavioral development of postnatal rats.Methods Twenty-two pregnant rats were randomly divided into 4 groups.Each group was placed in pollutants cabinet,hyperthermia cabinet,hyperthermia+pollutants cabinet and empty cabinet respectively for 2 h per day for 10 d since their pregnancy.The weight and neurobehavioral development of postnatal rats were observed at different time points.The number of apoptotic and dead neurons in the CA1 region of hippocampus was observed in postnatal rats.The expression of the NR1 subunit of NMDA receptor of hippocampal neurons was also detected.Results Indoor pollutants and hyperthermia could accelerate apoptosis and necrosis of hippocampal neurons in CA1 region of postnatal rats and increase the expression of NR1 subunit of NMDA receptor.Furthermore,hazardous indoor pollutants and hyperthermia could induce remarkable influences on postnatal rats’ neurobehavioral development,learning and memory capability.Indoor pollutants combined with hyperthermia aggravated these effects.Conclusion Exposure to environment of the hazardous indoor pollutants especially combined with hyperthermia during early pregnancy has remarkable influences on the nervous system of postnatal rats.
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Ten pregnant rats randomly chosen from the total twenty rats on day 9 ofprognancy were injected a high dosage of LRH-A.The other ten were used ascontrol group.After one day and two days the ultrastructure of the luteal cell wasobserved by transmission electron microscope.Compared with the control group,theexperimental group showed an increase of lipid droplets,and a lot of large lipiddroplets appeared.The smooth endoplasmic reticulum decreased,dissolved and lostits regular array.Mitochondria degenerated,Autophagocytic vacuole,lysosome,myelin figure,multivesicular body as well as residual body increased.Golgi appa-ratus swelled in the first day after injection,and then shrank.Microvilli on thesurface of the cell decreased.The above results all suggest that with the injection of high dosage of LRH-Ainto the pregnant rats,luteal cell shows morphologic regression and decrease insecretive function.