Abstract
Problem statement: Samples of allantoic, amniotic fluid, fetal liver, kidney, maternal plasma and liver were collected from 30 ewes and classified into either early or late gestation and copper concentrations were measured. Approach: The Cu concentrations in the maternal plasma, allantoic, amniotic fluid, fetal liver and kidney increased significantly (p<0.01) during late gestation while maternal liver Cu decreased significantly (p<0.01). Results: Significant positive relationships were recorded between age of the fetus and Cu concentrations in the allantoic and amniotic fluid (r = 0.71-0.83, p<0.001), fetal liver (r = 0.80, p<0.001), kidney (r = 0.59, p<0.01) and maternal plasma (r = 0.75, p<0.001). Significant (p<0.01) positive relationships were also recorded between the Cu concentrations in the amniotic, allantoic fluid and maternal plasma with fetal liver Cu concentrations (r = 0.36-0.73), the maternal plasma and liver Cu concentrations were significantly negative correlated (r = -42, p<0.05). Conclusion: A significant negative correlation was recorded between the Cu concentrations in the maternal liver and fetal age (r = -0.74, p<0.01). Strong fetal-maternal relationships in Cu concentration were evident throughout the gestational period and dams seem to sacrifice Cu levels in order to maintain that in the fetus. Cu concentrations in the amniotic and allantoic fluids could be used as a possible indicator of the Cu status of the fetus throughout gestation.
Highlights
Pregnancy is a period of rapid growth and cell differentiation for both the mother and fetus
In this study we found that, Cu concentrations in the fetal liver, kidney, amniotic fluid, allantoic fluid and maternal plasma were significantly (p
The relationship between age of the fetus and Cu concentration was significantly positive in amniotic fluid (r = 0.83, p
Summary
Pregnancy is a period of rapid growth and cell differentiation for both the mother and fetus. Copper is often one of the most limiting trace elements for the fetus and neonate for normal development. Deficiency of this element impairs fetal growth and can cause death (Mertz and Underwood, 1987). When intakes of Cu are deficient, maternal transfer of Cu to the fetus is insufficient for normal development and abnormalities to the central nervous system, skeleton and metabolism result (Mertz, 1988; Widdowson et al, 1974). It is reported that there is extraordinary metabolic demands on both the mother and developing fetus associated with gestation because adequate maternal copper nutritive is essential for normal embryogenesis (Keen et al, 1998). The samples were allowed to cool for 5 min in an oven and left to obtain room temperature (for 1 h).
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