Influência da progesterona injetável na taxa de prenhez e perda gestacional de fêmeas nelore de distintas categorias reprodutivas submetidas a inseminação artificial em tempo fixo / Influence of injectable progesterone on the pregnancy rate and gestational loss of Nellore females of different reproductive categories undergoing fixed-time artificial insemination

Progesterone (P4) is essential for embryonic development and maintenance of pregnancy when deficiency causes early embryonic loss. In this study, we investigated the ability of hormonal supplementation to improve the fertility of Nellore females subjected to fixed-time artificial insemination (IATF) protocols. Here, we evaluated the effect of long-acting injectable progesterone (iP4) supplementation in the D4 after IATF on pregnancy rate and pregnancy loss in Nellore females (Bos taurus indicus) from different reproductive categories in Western Amazonia. Eight hundred thirteen Nellore females from 5 farms were selected and distributed into 2 groups: control [GC; administration of 0.5 mL of 0.9% saline solution, intramuscularly - IM] (n = 407) and a group that received injectable progesterone (iP4) that was long-acting [GiP4; administration of 0.5 mL of iP4, 300 mg, via IM four days after IATF] (n = 406). Each group contained 3 subgroups: heifers, primiparous cows, and multiparous cows. Of the 407 animals in the CG, 103 were heifers, 107 primiparous, and 197 multiparous. Of the 406 animals in the GiP4 group, there were 101 heifers, 107 primiparous, and 198 multiparous. On a random day of the estrous cycle (D0), an intravaginal device containing 1 g of P4 and 2 mg of estradiol benzoate (BE) was inserted by intramuscular injection. On D8, the P4 device was removed and 150 µg of D-cloprostenol (PGF2α), 300 IU eCG, and 1 mg BE were administered IM. Cows were inseminated at D10, 48-52 h after procedure on D8. Pregnancy diagnosis was made between 35 and 40 days after insemination through ultrasound examination. Between 80 and 90 days after insemination, a new ultrasound examination was performed to assess early pregnancy loss. The data were processed using the SAS 9.2. The conception rate, pregnancy loss, and final conception rate were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX according to groups (CG and GiP4), categories (heifers, primiparous and multiparous), and their interactions as variables. The differences in the means of least squares were adjusted using the Tukey­Kramer method. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05. The general conception rate was 46% (375/816). Regardless of the animal class, GiP4 animals (51.97%) had higher conception rates (P < 0.05) than CG (40.29%). In the subgroups (heifers, primiparous and multiparous cows), there was a difference (P < 0.05) between animals treated with iP4 (52.48%, 57.94%, and 48.48%, respectively) and those who were not (39.81%, 41.12%, and 40.10%, respectively). Gestational losses, regardless of the animal class, were higher in females in the CG (7.93%) [P < 0.05] compared to those in the GiP4 group (2.84%). Regardless of treatment with iP4, the percentage of gestational loss in heifers was significantly higher (10.64%) than that in primiparous and multiparous cows (3.77% and 2.86%, respectively). The final conception rates were higher in animals that received long-acting iP4, which increased the final pregnancy in all parity categories. In the present study, the use of iP4 increased the pregnancy rate in Nellore females, regardless of the category. Although there has been no consensus on the use of iP4, there is an agreement that increases in the pregnancy rate are related to the moment of exogenous P4 application. In addition to influencing the pregnancy rate, reduction in pregnancy losses is also attributed to iP4 treatment, a fact demonstrated in the present study, where animals treated with iP4 had a lower pregnancy loss rate than normally occurs in beef cattle. Supplementation with long-acting iP4 increased the pregnancy rate at D35-40, reduced pregnancy losses, and increased the conception rate on D80-90 days in Nellore females reared in the Western Amazon, regardless of the animal category.(AU)

The impact of proximol (Cymbopogon proximus) intake on pregnant albino ratsand their fetuses during gestation period / Impacto de la ingesta de proximol (Cymbopogon proximus) en las ratas albino embarazadas y sus fetos durante el período de gestación

Halphabarol, the active principle of Proximol, is the most potent of the four antispasmodics present in the national desert weed Cymbopogon proximus or ''Halfa Bar''. Halphabarol is of great value for the management of renal colic and in the expulsion of ureteric calculi as it causes dilation of the ureter below the site of calculus while active propulsion is maintained. Evaluation the congenital malformation of proximol in pregnant albino rats during gestation period. The virgin female rats were mated with male rats and the pregnant rats were orally administered a human equivalent dose (0.05 mg/kg) of Proximol from 5th-20th gestation day. At day 20 of pregnancy, all rats were anesthetized to obtained maternal and fetal data. The treatment group displayed some disorders, which can be summarized as growth retardation, external anomalies, embryonic resorption, and skeletal malformation. We concluded that the oral administration of Proximol resulted in embryonic abnormalities and skeletal malformations.

Halphabarol, el principio activo de Proximol, es el más potente de los cuatro antiespasmódicos presentes en la maleza desértica nacional "Cymbopogon proximus" o "Halfa Bar". Halphabarol es de gran utilidad para el manejo de cólicos renales y para la expulsión de cálculos ureterales, ya que causa la dilatación del uréter por debajo del sitio de cálculo mientras se mantiene el mecanismo de propulsión activa. Se realizó una evaluación de la malformación congénita por Proximol en ratas albinas gestantes durante el período de gestación. Las ratas fueron apareadas y a las ratas gestantes se les administró oralmente, del 5 al 20 día de gestación, una dosis de Proximol (0,05 mg / kg), equivalente a la dosis humana. Al día 20 de gestación, todas las ratas fueron anestesiadas para obtener datos maternos y fetales. El grupo de tratamiento mostró algunos trastornos, que pueden resumirse como retraso del crecimiento, anomalías externas, resorción embrionaria y malformación esquelética. Concluimos que la administración oral de Proximol resultó en anomalías embrionarias y malformaciones esqueléticas.

Perinatal effects of scorpion venoms: maternal and offspring development

Scorpion envenomation is a public health problem, especially in tropical and subtropical countries. Considering the high incidence of scorpionism in some areas, pregnant women and nursing mothers may be possible victims. Scorpion stings alter the release of neurotransmitters and some cytokines. These mediators act as organizers and programmers in the adequate formation of the nerves, and non-physiological concentrations of them during the brain organization originate disorders and diseases that can appear later in the life of the individual. Despite the importance of this subject, there are only a few studies showing the effects of scorpion venom on maternal reproductive development, in the morphology and physical and behavioral development of offspring. The present review article summarizes the major findings on this issue. Biochemical changes in the blood - such as hyperglycemia, increase on the level of sodium and on the creatinine concentration - are observed after scorpion sting in humans and experimental animals. Some studies in the literature demonstrate that the scorpion venom affects the maternal reproductive development in humans and in experimental animals, increasing the frequency and amplitude of uterine contraction and the number of resorptions. The venom can also lead to some alterations in the embryonic or fetal development increasing the total weight of fetuses and of some organs. Moreover, it affects the general activity and locomotion during childhood and adulthood, and the anxiety level in adult females and males. It also alters the number of hippocampal neurons and interferes in the level of some cytokines. Altogether, it is evident that the venom, when administered during the pregnancy or lactation, affects the development of the offspring. Studies are being conducted to determine the actual participation of the venom in the development of the offspring, and to what extent they are detrimental to animal development.(AU)

Effects of passive smoking associated with physical exercise in the skeletal muscles of rats during pregnancy and lactation / Efectos del tabaquismo pasivo asociado con el ejercicio físico en los músculos esqueléticos de ratas durante la gestación y lactancia

The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of passive smoking, in soleus and gastrocnemius muscles associated with physical exercise by swimming during pregnancy and lactation of rats. Twenty-four rats were divided: GF (exposed to cigarette smoke), GC (control), GFN (underwent to the swimming program and exposed to cigarette smoke) and GN (underwent to the swimming program). On the first day of pregnancy procedure of exposure to cigarette smoke began, consisting in 30 minutes twice a day for six weeks. During the same period the swimming program began, which lasted 60 min every day untilthe 21st day of lactation. Soleus and gastrocnemius muscles, were obtained for histological, histochemical, morphometric analysis and fiber profiling. In histology, the groups GF and GFN showed infiltrations, necrotic and phagocytized fibers, centralized nuclei, splittings and coiling; in GN changes were observed due to exercise adaptations, infiltrations, sarcolemal lesion, polymorphic, atrophic and angular fibers. In the histochemical analysis of the groups GF and GFN there was enzymatic activity and amorphous formazan aggregates in subsarcolemmal positions, however in GN the same changes were found in lower frequency and intensity. In regard to the measureof the cross-sectionofmuscle fibers there weren't significant differences among the groups, as well as, in the frequency of types of fibers of the gastrocnemius. It is concluded that aerobic exercise is not enough to impede morphological and histochemical changes caused in an animal model of pregnant and lactating associated with smoking, and the stress not influence the types and size of muscle fibers.

EL objetivo fue analizar los efectos del tabaquismo pasivo sobre los músculos sóleo y gastrocnemio asociado con el entrenamiento corporal de natación durante la preñez y lactancia de ratas. Veinticuatro ratas se dividieron en grupos: GF (expuestos al humo de cigarrillo), GC (control), GFN (sometido al programa de natación y expuesto al humo del cigarrillo) y GN (sometido al programa de natación). El procedimiento de exposición al humo del cigarrillo comenzó primer día de preñez, durante 30 min dos veces al día por seis semanas. Durante el mismo período, comenzó el programa de natación, con una duración de 60 min todos los días hasta el día 21 de lactancia. Se extrajeron los músculos sóleo y gastrocnemio, y se realizó el análisis histológico, morfométrico histoquímico y de perfiles de fibra. En la histología, los grupos GF y GFN mostraron infiltraciones, fibras necróticas y fagocitadas, núcleos centralizados, divisiones y enrollamientos; en GN se observaron cambios debido a las adaptaciones de ejercicio tales como infiltraciones, lesión del sarcolema, y fibras polimórficas, atróficas y angulares. En el análisis histoquímico de los grupos GF y GFN hubo actividad enzimática y se formaron agregados amorfos en posiciones subsarcolemales; en el grupo GN se encontraron los mismos cambios en menor frecuencia e intensidad. No hubo diferencias en las medidas de las secciones transversales de las fibras musculares entre los grupos, así como en la frecuencia de los tipos de fibras del músculo gastrocnemio. Se concluye que el ejercicio aeróbico no es suficiente para impedir los cambios morfológicos e histoquímicos causados en un modelo animal de ratas preñadas en periodo de lactancia asociados con el tabaquismo, y el estrés no influye en el tipo y tamaño de las fibras musculares.

Prepartum administration of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) on adaptation to subclinical ketosis of the ewes and performance of the lambs / Administração pré-parto de somatotropina bovina recombinante (rBST) na adaptação da cetose subclínica de ovelhas e no desempenho dos cordeiros

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of prepartum rbST injection on the metabolic profile of pregnant ewes induced to subclinical ketosis, as well as the metabolism until seven days of life and weight gain until seven weeks of life of the lambs. Twenty seven pregnant ewes of the pantaneiro genetic group were used, divided into two groups: rbST group (n = 14) and control group (n = 13). The rbST group received two applications of 1 mg/kg of rbST, at 97 and 111 days gestation, while the control group received placebo injections. There were significant differences between groups in levels of GGT in the ketosis post induction period and BHB concentrations in the postpartum period. Concentrations of glucose, urea, phosphorus, albumin, cholesterol, AST, NEFA and insulin were not different between dams from the two groups in different periods of the study (P>0.05). There was an effect of rbST on body weight observed already at fourteen days of life (P<0.0001), there was an increase in serum phosphorus levels at birth of lambs (P=0.0014), and albumin at seven days of life (P = 0.0014) of the lambs, with no difference between groups for the other metabolites. Therefore, the use of rbST was effective in increasing the weight of the lambs until the seventh week of life. In addition, rbST treatment had positive effects on the dam metabolism with reduction of liver overload, as indicated by decreased GGT after ketosis induction and decreased BHB at the postpartum period.

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o efeito da administração pré-parto de rbST sobre o perfil metabólico de ovelhas induzidas à cetose subclínica, assim como sobre o metabolismo até sete dias de vida e ganho de peso até sete semanas de vida dos cordeiros. Vinte e sete ovelhas prenhas do grupo genético pantaneiro foram divididas em dois grupos: grupo rbST (n = 14) e grupo controle (n = 13). O grupo rbST recebeu duas aplicações de 1mg/kg de rbST, aos 97 e 111 dias de gestação, ao passo que o grupo controle recebeu injeções de placebo. Houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos nos níveis de GGT no período de pós-indução de cetose e concentrações de BHB no período pós-parto. As concentrações de glicose, ureia, fósforo, albumina, colesterol, AST, NEFA e insulina não foram diferentes entre os grupos nos diferentes períodos do estudo (P>0,05). Houve um efeito de rbST no peso corporal dos cordeiros já observado nos 14 dias de vida (P<0,0001), verificou-se um aumento dos níveis séricos de fósforo ao nascimento de cordeiros (P=0,0014) e albumina de sete dias de vida (P=0,0014 ), e não houve diferença entre os grupos para os outros metabólitos. Portanto, a utilização de rbST foi eficaz em aumentar o peso dos cordeiros até a sétima semana de vida. Além disso, a aplicação de rbST teve efeitos positivos no metabolismo com a redução da sobrecarga do fígado, como indicado pela diminuição da GGT após a indução da cetose e diminuição de BHB no período pós-parto.

Histological and immunohistochemical studies on the kidneys of pregnant rats treated with Clarithromycin

Background: clarithromycin is a semisynthetic macrolide antibiotic, exhibits broad-spectrum activity against gram-positive and gram-negative aerobes. Macrolides are bacteriostatic antibiotics that inhibit protein biosynthesis via reversible binding to the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit. Macrolides are able to cross placenta and reach the fetus

Aim of the work: the present study is focused on evaluating the effects of antimicrobial drug, clarithromycin on the kidneys of pregnant rats

Material and methods: clarithromycin is orally given to the treated groups of the pregnant rats once daily at different periods of gestation by gastric tube at a dose of 45 mg/kg/day. The excised kidneys were dissected, processed and stained with H and E, PAS, Masson's trichrome, Feulgen reaction and anti-CD68 immunohistochemical stain then followed by morphometric measurements and statistical analysis. The kidneys were also preserved for DNA fragmentation assay

Results: this study revealed that clarithromycin administration especially to pregnant rats showed different histopathological and histochemical changes in kidney tissues and cellular DNA. Also immunohistochemical anti-inflammatory marker CD68 showed positive reactivity in all treated groups

Conclusion: The presence of histopathological and histochemical changes revealed nephrotoxicity in the pregnant rats after administration of the antimicrobial drug, clarithromycin

Effect of Clarithromycin administration during late gestational period on the pregnant albino rats and their fetuses

Background: Clarithromycin, a new macrolide antibiotic, is effective in the management of a wide range of clinical problems including outpatient treatment of community-acquired pneumonia, shortening the course of peptic ulcer disease associated with Helicobacter pylori infection and curing previously resistant respiratory infections in immune-compromised patients. The present study is planned to study the effect of clarithromycin on the pregnant female rats and their fetuses during the last gestational period stage. This study includes the effect of clarithromycin on therate of abortion, malformation of fetuses, skeletal, histological changes and DNA fragmentation of liver cells of pregnant rats and their fetuses. In the present study two groups of pregnant animals were used. The first group received distilled water from 15[th] to 19[th] days of gestation and used as control and sacrificed at 20[th] day of gestation. The other group is orally administered with 45mg/kgclarithromycin from 15[th] to 19[th] days and sacrifices at 20[th] day of gestation [the therapeutic dose]. The obtained results showed a significant decrease in maternal body weight gain and increase in the rate of abortion, resorption and growth retardation of fetuses.Fetuses of the treated group showed severe lack of ossification on the skull bones, phalanges and sternum bone as well as shortness in the ulna and radius bones. Histological studies of pregnant rats revealed congestion and dilatation of the central vein of the liver lobules and fatty degeneration of the hepatocytes with severe DNA fragmentation.In 20 day-fetuses, there were a marked increase of necrotic hepatocytes associated with increased average of megakaryocytes and periportal leukocytic infiltration

Effect of lithium on the developing teeth of rabbits

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the changes in the dimensions of the teeth in new born babies of the mothers who receive lithium for a long time during pregnancy. The incidence of congenital defects due to Lithium was studied because, oral and dental structures are frequently the sites of adverse drug reactions. These include salivary glands, oral mucosa, periodontal tissues, teeth, alveolar bone, and other structures. The study was conducted on the female rabbits, which were kept on this specific drug during pregnancy. The off springs of these treated female rabbits were used for research purpose. They were sacrificed and the teeth were examined for the congenital defects developed during intrauterine life. This study was expected to provide suggestions for the use of this drug during pregnancy. The results showed large variations by analysing statistically in the different teeth i.e. the size reduced in maxillary incisors, first and second molars only. The nature of the insult is unlikely to be determinable and the results are generally not in accordance with the predicted outcome. However, the drugs should be used by doctor's prescription only, especially during pregnancy, avoiding the teratogenic effect on the dentition of the new borns

Teratogenic effects of gabapentin on the skeletal system of balb/C mice fetuses

To evaluate the effects of gabapentin [GBP] administration on mice fetuses. This study was carried out in Birjand University of Medical Sciences during 2008. Thirty Balb/c pregnant mice were divided randomly into 3 groups: 2 experimental groups that received 25 mg/kg [I] and 50 mg/kg [II] of GBP intraperitoneally for the first 15 days of pregnancy, and a control group that received normal saline. External observations of day 18 fetuses and skeleton double staining were performed. Both experimental groups showed similar disorders that can be categorized as the following: 1] decrease of fetal body weight and increase of fetal resorption, 2] macroscopic malformations, and 3] skeletal malformations. Fetal body weights were significantly lower, and fetus resorptions were significantly higher in both treated groups compared to the control group. Macroscopic malformations included exencephaly, limbs defects, brachygnathia, vertebral column deformity, and fetuses with severe retarded growth. Skeletal malformations included delayed ossification, scoliosis, calvaria deformity, and mandibular hypoplasia. This study revealed that GBP can induce previously unreported severe malformations if it is used continuously during the implantation, neurulation, and organogenesis stages of pregnancy. Therefore, it is suggested that great caution should be exercised in using GBP during the early stages of pregnancy until further studies are performed to better understand these effects

Chronic maternal dietary iodine deficiency but not thiocyanate feeding affects maternal reproduction and postnatal performance of the rat.

Iodine deficiency disorders affect reproductive performance in the afflicted populations. Environmental iodine deficiency (ID) and goitrogens are important in their aetiology. We observed earlier that chronic maternal dietary ID but not goitrogen feeding altered the blood-brain barrier nutrient transport in adult rats. Whether similar differences exist in their effects on reproduction of dams and postnatal performance of the offspring has been assessed. Inbred, female, weaning WNIN rats were rendered hypothyroid by feeding for 8-12 weeks, a low iodine test diet or a control diet with added potassium thiocyanate (KSCN) (@ 25 mg/rat/day). Following mating with control males, they continued on their respective diets till their pups were weaned. Indices of reproductive performance such as percentage of conception, mortality of dams during pregnancy and parturition, litter size, and survival of pups till weaning were affected markedly by ID but not thiocyanate feeding. Neither ID nor thiocyanate feeding from conception or parturition affected their reproductive performance. Nevertheless, postnatal weight gain of pups was less in all the three ID groups but not thiocyanate fed dams. Rehabilitation of chronically ID pregnant dams from conception or parturition did not improve their pregnancy weight gain, litter size or birth weight of pups but decreased abortion and mortality of mothers during pregnancy and parturition. Rehabilitation improved the pups' postnatal weight gain but the effect was only moderate. Based on the results of the present study it may be suggested that maternal ID but not thiocyanate feeding affects reproductive performance and postnatal performance of their offspring.

Foscarnet Effects on the Rat Pregnancy Outcome / Efectos del Foscarnet Sobre la Rata Preñada

There are few long-term data on which to base decisions of drug management of HIV infection in pregnancy. The determination of safe medications must take into consideration the need for certain drugs and the possibility of inadvertent fetal exposure because of unplanned pregnancies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of foscarnet on the entire period of rat pregnancy. Female pregnant rats were randomly assigned to four treatment groups (n = 10): one control (C) ­ treated with the drug vehicle (bidestilled water) and three experimental groups (E1, E2 and E3) ­ treated with 180, 360 or 720 mg/Kg of foscarnet, respectively. Rats were treated by gavage once daily. The treatment period extended from the first until the 20th day of pregnancy. Body weights were recorded weekly along this period. At term, the rats were sacrificed, the implantation sites and the number of fetuses and resorptions were recorded. The fetuses were evaluated for externally visible abnormalities under a stereomicroscope. No differences in body weights among the groups were observed; however, foscarnet-treated rats showed reduced fetal and placental weights. The incidence 137of resorptions and major malformations (shortening of limbs) in the E3 group was significantly raised. Foscarnet treatment during the entire period of rat pregnancy can produce definite toxic effects, mainly on the placental and fetal compartments.

Foscarnet es un inhibidor de la transcriptasis reversa del HIV que actúa en la síntesis del DNA. En este trabajo evaluamos los efectos crónicos del foscarnet durante la preñez de la rata albina. Ratas preñadas fueron distribuidas aleatoriamente en cuatro grupos (n = 10 para cada grupo): uno control (C), tratadas con agua bidestilada, y tres experimentales (E1, E2 y E3), tratadas con 180, 360 o 720 mg/Kg al día de foscarnet. El fármaco y el vehículo (siempre 1 ml) fueron administrados una vez al día desde el día 0 hasta el día 20 de la gestación. Las ratas fueron pesadas semanalmente y sacrificadas al término de la preñez. No se observaron alteraciones significativas en cuanto al incremento de peso corporal entre los grupos. Sin embargo, las ratas tratadas con foscarnet (especialmente las de los grupos E2 y E3) presentaron reducciones del peso promedio de los fetos y de las respectivas placentas. La incidencia de reabsorciones y malformaciones (acortamiento de miembros) fue significativa en el grupo E3. Se concluye que la administración de foscarnet durante toda la preñez de la rata puede producir efectos tóxicos definidos, especialmente en los compartimientos placentario y fetal.

study of protective effect of deferroxamine on fetal skeletal anomalies induced by doxorubicin administration in pregnant female albino rats

Doxorubicin or adriamycin [DXR] is a potent chemotherapeutic agent used in treatment of certain neoplastic diseases. Toxicity of Doxorubicin has been reported to be reduced by co-treatment with antioxidant and potent heavy metal chelators as deferroxamine. To evaluate such effect on Doxorubicin induced teratogenesis, twenty four pregnant female albino rats were equally divided into 3 groups. The first group was served as a control group. The second group was injected intraperitoneally [IP] with DXR [3.6 mg /kg B.W.] while the third group was injected by Deferroxamine [250 mg /Kg] 30 minutes before DXR injection [3.6 mg /kg B.w]. On the 20 th - gestation day, dams were sacrificed and examined. There was a high embryo toxic effect [80%] in dams of the second group. While in Deferroxamine treated, rats the resorption decreased to 45.8% and fetuses had numerous malformations as malformed vertebrae, wavy ribs, absence of femur, radius, ulna, tibia, fibula and metacarpal bones. Theses results recommended councelling pregnant female about doxurubicin teratogenic effect and protective role of Deferroxamine in such condition

Effect of Lamivudine on the Rat Pregnancy Outcome / Efecto de la Lamivudina en la Rata Preñada

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is in growing incidence throughout the world. Due to the increasing proportion of affected women in reproductive years, the association of pregnancy with HIV infection becomes a matter of major Public Health concern. Antiretroviral drug administration turned out to be imperative during pregnancy in order to prevent the vertical transmission; accordingly, new antiretroviral drugs and anti-HIV drug associations have been tested in experimental pregnancy models before they are approved to be included in protocols for use during human pregnancy. Lamivudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor currently used in association with other antiretrovirals. Since no data exist on the perinatal safety of lamivudine alone, as it is used in combination with other antiretroviral agents, and, until now, only preliminary data on the lamivudine-zidovudine combination were available, we decided to examine the gross maternal and fetal effects of lamivudine administered alone during the entire period of rat pregnancy. Forty pregnant animals were assigned at random to 4 groups (G1, G2, G3 and G4). G1 received drug vehicle; G2, G3 and G4 received daily oral doses of 5, 15 or 45 mg/kg of lamivudine, respectively. Rats were weighed on days 0, 7, 14 and 20 of pregnancy. On day 20 they were killed, their fetuses and placentas counted and weighed. The body weight gain of the rats was that normally expected for the gestation progression; no differences were noticed among the groups. In addition, no effects were observed regarding the fetal or placental number and weight, nor in the number of implantations, reabsortions, fetal or maternal deaths. In conclusion, the adverse effects reported for the lamivudine-zidovudine combination therapy may well be not due to lamivudine; further research involving a variety of strategies is needed to definitively ascertain the safety of that combination for preventing maternal-infant ...

La infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (HIV) presenta incidencia creciente en todo el mundo. Debido al aumento en la proporción de mujeres afectadas en sus años reproductivos, el binomio embarazo/infección con HIV constituyen un tema preocupante en Salud Pública. Por esto que, la administración de fármacos antirretrovirales ha sido considerada obligatoria durante la gestación para prevenir la transmisión vertical del HIV; de este modo, nuevos fármacos y combinaciones de fármacos con actividad anti-HIV han sido desarollados y testeados en modelos de preñez experimental, previo a su empleo en estrategias de terapia antirretroviral durante la gestación humana. Lamivudina es un inhibidor nucleosídico de la transcriptasa reversa usada en combinación con otros antirretrovirales, pero no hay datos sobre la seguridad de su uso aislado. En el presente trabajo son estudiados los posibles efectos de la lamivudine cuando es administrada durante toda la preñez de la rata albina. Cuarenta ratas preñadas fueron tratadas durante toda la preñez (desde el día 0 hasta el día 20 de la gestación) con 5, 15 o 45 mg/kg de lamivudina, una vez al día. Los controles recibieron el vehículo de la droga. La evolución del peso corporal de los animales fue lo esperado para la progresión normal del peso durante la preñez, sin diferencias significativas entre los grupos. Igualmente no hubo diferencias en cuanto al número de fetos y de placentas y tampoco en cuanto a sus pesos. Ningún efecto fue notado con respecto al número de implantaciones o de reabsorciones. Se concluye que los efectos adversos reportados para la combinación zidovudina-lamivudina no deben, en principio, ser atribuidos a la presencia de la lamivudina.

Effect of ethanol/arrack on the lipid metabolism of mammary gland during pregnancy and lactation in rats.

Female rats were exposed to arrack (12.0 ml/kg body weight/day) and ethanol (4.0 g/kg body weight/day) before conception and throughout gestation and lactation. On 19th day of gestation and 21st day of lactation there was increase in the cholesterol phospholipids, triglycerides and free fatty acids in the mammary gland of rats administered arrack/ethanol in comparison with the controls. The lipoprotein lipase activity showed significant increase in the treated groups, in which the activity decreased on 21st day in comparison with 19th day. The absolute and relative weight of mammary gland also showed a significant decrease in ethanol/arrack treated group. The biochemical alterations produced in the mammary gland by arrack and its equivalent alcohol were different showing that non-alcoholic portion of arrack interferes with the toxicity induced by alcohol. Arrack was found to be a potent hyperlipidemic agent than ethanol.

Pharmacological studies on sesame and nigella sativa fixed oils: effects on the sensitivities of the adrenoceptors baroreceptors, platelets and the uterus of the rat

The aim of this study is to unravel the effects of short-term treatment [2 weeks] with sesame oil [S.O., 6 and 12 ml Kg[-1]. Day [-1], i.p.] and Nigella sativa fixed oil [N.O. 2 and 2 ml Kg[-1] Day[-1] i.p.] on some cardiovascular, platelets and reproductive parameters in normal and/or streptozotocin hyperglycemic diabetic rats [NR and DR, respectively]. Both S.O. and N.O. significantly suppressed [alpha] -adrenoceptor-mediated phenylephrine-induced rise in the arterial blood pressure in NR only. S.O. significantly sensitized the arterial baroreceptors, whereas N.O. significantly suppressed it in NR only. None of the oils affected this parameter in the DR. Both oils significantly enhanced isoprenaline-induced hypotension in both NR and DR without any effect on isoprenaline-induced tachycardia. Both oils suppressed adenosine diphosphate [ADP]-induced platelets aggregation in both NR and DR. The suppression was more significant in DR. Both oils enhanced significantly arachidonic acid [0.714 mg Kg[1] i.v.] -induced hypotension in NR. Both oils significantly suppressed PGE[2-] and oxytocin-induced uterine contractions of the diethylstilbesterol-treated uteri of the NR. S.O. but not N.O. significantly enhanced the percentage of bias to cysts implantation in NR. None of the oils induced any teratogenic effects or induced significant changes in the gestation length, litter size, male to female ratio, resorption rate or placental weights in NR. However, N.O. significantly increased the foetal weight. In conclusion, the results point to the potential usefulness of both S.O. and N.O. in conditions that benefit from desensitization of [alpha1] adrenoceptors, [Beta2] sensitization of -adrenoceptors and uterine PGE[2] and oxytocin receptors. Furthermore, S.O.-induced sensitization of the baroreceptors may be beneficial in those conditions associated with a decrease in arterial baroretlexes. In addition, both oils seemed to be safe during pregnancy with S.O. having the additional potential advantage of enhancing the implantation rate

Efeitos do uso crônico do difosfato de primaquina sobre a prenhez da rata / Chronic effects of primaquine diphosphate on pregnant rats

Objetivo: estudar a açäo crônica do difosfato de primaquina sobre a prenhez da rata albina. Métodos: foram utilizadas sessenta ratas prenhes divididas, ao acaso, em seis grupos numericamente iguais. O grupo I recebeu diariamente, por gavagem, 1 ml de água destilada desde o dia zero até o 20º dia de prenhez (controle). As ratas dos demais grupos também receberam diariamente, por gavagem, durante o mesmo período, sempre o volume de 1 ml, contendo, soluçäo gradualmente mais concentrada de difosfato de primaquina: 0,25 mg/kg de peso, grupo II; 0,50 mg/kg de peso, grupo III; 0,75 mg/kg de peso, grupo IV; 1,5 mg/kg de peso, grupo V e 3,0 mg/kg de peso, grupo VI. Os pesos maternos foram considerados no dia zero e no 7º, 14º e 20º dias de prenhez, quando as matrizes foram sacrificadas. Resultados: nossos resultados mostraram que o difosfato de primaquina, nas dosagens utilizadas näo interferiram em nenhuma das variáveis por nós consideradas, isto é, ganho de peso materno, peso das ninhadas, peso individual médio dos fetos, peso do conjunto das placentas e peso individual médio das placentas, número de implantaçöes, número de placentas e número de fetos, quando comparados com o grupo controle. Näo houve, também, nenhum caso de reabsorçäo, malformaçöes, mortalidade materna ou óbito intra-uterino, em qualquer dos grupos estudados. Conclusäo: nas condiçöes por nós estabelecidas näo há contra-indicaçäo para o uso contínuo do difosfato de primaquina durante a prenhez da rata.

Study of the effects of ß-myrcene on rat fertility and general reproductive performance

Beta-Myrcene (MYR) is a monoterpene found in the oils of a variety of aromatic plants including lemongrass, verbena, hop, bay, and others. MYR and essential oils containing this terpenoid compound are used in cosmetics, household products, and as flavoring food additives. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of MYR on fertility and general reproductive performance in the rat. MYR (0, 100, 300 and 500 mg/kg) in peanut oil was given by gavage to male Wistar rats (15 per dose group) for 91 days prior to mating and during the mating period, as well ass to females (45 per dose group) continuously for 21 days before mating, during mating and pregnancy, and throughout the period of lactatiomn up to postnatal day 21. On day 21 of pregnancy one-third of the females of each group were submitted to cesarean section. Resorption, implantation, as well as dead and live fetuses were counted. All fetuses were examined for external malformation, weighed, and cleared and stained with Alizarin Red S for skeleton evaluation. The remaining dams were allowed to give birth to their offspring. The progeny was examined at birth and subsequently up to postnatal day 21. Mortality, weight gain and physical signs of postnatal development were evaluated. Except for an increase in liver and kidney weights, no other sign of toxicity was noted in male and female rats exposed to MYR. MYR did not affect the mating index (proportion of females impregnated by males) or the pregnancy index (ratio of pregnant to sperm-positive females). No sign of maternal toxicity and no increase in externally visible malformations were observed at any dose level. Only at the highest dose tested (500 mg/kg) did MYR induce an increase in the resorption rate and a higher frequency of fetal skeleton anomalies. No adverse effect of MYR on postnatal weight gain was noted but days of appearance of primary coat, incisor eruption and eye opening were slightly delayed in the exposed offspring. On the basis of the data presented in this paper the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for toxic effects on fertility and general reproductive performance can be set at 300 mg of Beta-myrcene/kg body weight by the oral route.

O cloridrato de cocaina na prenhez de ratas: efeitos nas maes e fetos / Cocaine in rats pregnancy: effects on mother and fetus

Foi estudado o efeito da cocaina em 24 ratas da linhagem Wistar. Elas foram subdivididas em três grupos: oito fêmeas receberam 15 por cento da DL50 (D1), oito receberam 30 por cento da DL50 (D2) e oito serviram como controle (C). A droga foi aplicada na cavidade peritoneal durante toda a gestaçao. O grupo controle recebeu soluçao fisiológica. Os seguintes parâmetros foram estudados: ganho de peso, agressividade, temperatura retal, porcentagem de acertos no labirinto (sim/nao), porcentagens de abortos e malformaçoes grosseiras. Foram obtidos 79 recém-nascidos no grupo controle, 82 no D1 e 58 no D2. A cocaína reduziu o número de recém-nascidos no Grupo D2 (p=0,031). Neste mesmo grupo foram observados, um caso confirmado de aborto, um natimorto e alto número de canibalismo. Nao foi detectado malformaçoes grosseiras ou alteraçoes de reflexo neurológico. A cocaina nao teve influência no ganho de peso na gestaçao, na temperatura materna, na porcentagem de sucesso ou no tempo gasto no teste do labirinto. Nao houve diferença na agressividade entre os grupos tratados (cocaína) com os controles, em nenhuma dose. Observou-se entretanto, menor agressividade durante a gestaçao tanto no grupo da cocaína (p < 0,001) ou quando se associou a droga ao grupo controle (p < 0,0001) provavelmente o efeito da própria gestaçao