Maternal hypothyroidism prolongs gestation period and impairs glucose tolerance in offspring of Wistar rats.

Abstract

Pregnancy is a critical period keenly regulated by both maternal and foetal factors and a shift in these factors could result in severe complications manifesting in foetal and adult life. However, maternal hypothyroidism before and/or during pregnancy is a critical factor. This study investigated the effect of maternal hypothyroidism on glucose tolerance and thyroid function in male and female offspring. Fifteen adult female Wistar rats were divided intothree groups: Group 1 (sham-control), Group 2 (thyrodectomized) and Group 3 (thyroidectomised+L-thyroxine treated). Blood thyroxine (T4) level was measured on the day 10 after thyroidectomy in Groups 1 and 2, and day 35 inGroup 3. Males were introduced to the female rats after T4measurement. At PND-112, T4 levels of their offspring were measured. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) was measured in offspring at PND-133. Thyroxine reduced significantly in Group 2 and their offspring (male and female) compared to Group 3 while gestation period was prolonged significantly in Group 2 compared to Group 1. Hypothyroid male offspring showed depressed glucose tolerance, however, no effect was observed in female offspring. This study suggests that maternal hypothyroidism prolonged gestation period, induced foetal hypothyroidism in both genders and depressed glucose tolerance in male offspring.