[Effect of maternal diabetes on cerebellum histomorphometry in neonatal rats]

ABSTRACT

In pregnant mothers, maternal diabetes occurs when pancreas can't produce enough insulin resulting in increased blood glucose levels in the mother and subsequently in the fetus. This investigation was conducted to evaluate the effects of maternal diabetes on cerebellum of offspring of diabetic mothers [ODM], which was carried out at the veterinary faculty of Shiraz University in 2007-2008. This was an experimental study that included sixteen normal adult female rats divided in two groups. Diabetes was induced in one group by Alloxan agent. Both groups became pregnant by natural mating. At 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after birth, the cerebellum of all offspirings were collected and the weight of neonates was also measured. After producing histological slides, Olympus BX51 microscope and Olysia software were used. Various histological parameters used included gray and white matters thicknesses [micro], the number of cells in gray and white matter separately per unit [mm[2]] and the ratio of gray matter to white matter. Cerebellar parameters decreased in ODM as compared to the control group. The body weight of ODM was significantly more than that of the control group [p<0.05]. Maternal hyperglycaemia exhibited deleterious effects on cerebellum during fetal life, which remained persistent during postneonatal period. Maternal diabetes also resulted in reduction of number of cells and thicknesses of both gray and white matter