Investigation of the effect of Cadmium chloride applied during pregnancy on the morphological parameters of mouse offspring and the protective role of melatonin

Abstract

Heavy metals are the main risk factor for impaired fetal development. Cadmium accumulated in tissues can restrict growth and development. Melatonin is an antioxidant has a therapeutic effect. The aim of this study is to determine the effects exposure to Cadmium Chloride during pregnancy in mice on the birth weight of pups, number of pups, and morphological parameters of pups and investigate the protective role of melatonin against these effects. Seven groups (n:6) were created with Swiss Albino mice. Cadmium chloride and melatonin were administered to groups i.p. and orally. The pups were weighed on the day they were born. Tail length, length between the two temporal regions, femur length, and crown rump length were measured. Different variables were compared among the groups by analysis of variance followed by Duncan's test, and the differences were considered statistically significant when p < 0.05. The lowest body weight was found in the group that was given Cadmium Chloride orally (p < 0.05). The number of pups increased in the groups given Melatonin orally and i.p. The mean tail, inter temporal, and femoral length values decreased in the groups where Cadmium Chloride was given by the i.p. route, but they increased in the groups where it was given orally. The highest mean crown rump length was in the group given Melatonin orally, this value decreased in the group given Cadmium Chloride by the i.p. route. Cadmium Chloride increased the risk of premature birth, led to a decrease in mean body weight and caused a change in the parameters of growth and development. Orally administered Melatonin had a positive effect on reproduction, prevented Cadmium Chloride-induced weight loss and caused a significant increase in crown rump length. We are of the opinion that additional long-term studies on the subject are needed.