Effects of intrauterine undernutrition on the renal function of the progeny

ABSTRACT

The progency of rats submitted to 50% food restriction during a) the first 11 days of pregnancy (R1 group) and b) the entire period of pregnancy (RT group) was studied for renal function. After birth, the litter was left with the mother for 28 days and allowed free access to food and water until the experimental time, which occurred 3 months after birth. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal plasma flow (RPF) and urinary flow (V) decreased significantly in both the Rl and RT groups when compared to control rats (C) (GFR = 4.44 + or 0 0.12 and 4.26 + or - 0.17 vs 6.95 + or - 0.25, and RPF = 19.06 + or - 0.57 and 12.59 + or - 0.60 vs 24.64 + or - 1.18). However, net acid excretion calculated per ml GFR was maintained or even stimulated (AB = 12.63 + or - 0.44 and 8.31 + or - 0.29 vs 7.97 + or - 0.85). The results show that a definite impairment of glomerular hemodynamics is demonstrable 3 months after birth in the progeny of mothers submitted to severe food restriction during pregnancy, even when the progeny have been on a normal diet for 2 months after suckling