[Evaluation of maternal diabetes effects on lumbosacral portion of spinal cord in neonate rats by morphometry]

ABSTRACT

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate effects of maternal diabetes on lumbosacral region of spinal cord in offspring of diabetic mothers [ODM] in comparison with normal mothers. In this study sixteen adult female rats were divided in two groups. Diabetes was induced in one group by Alloxan [145 mg/kg]. Both groups became pregnant by natural matting. After delivery lumbosacral samples were prepared from 7 day, 14 day, 21 day and 28 day old offspring of both groups. After applying histological techniques, various histological parameters were determined. Weight of infants was measured at the same time and compared with the other group. Data were analyzed by student t-test. Our results showed that the weight of ODM were significantly [21.2%] more than the control group [P<0.05]. There is a significant decrease in transverse and vertical diameters of spinal cord and decrease in number of neurons in grays matter of spinal cord of ODM compared to the control group [P<0.05]. Hyperglycaemia caused by maternal diabetes can disturb natural formation of spinal cord, especially in the lumbosacral region. This defect leads to different malformations, such as change in the shape of spinal cord and also decrease in the number of neurons in grays mater. These problems are formed in fetal period and remain in the body after birth and lead to offspring disability in several actions