Perinatal Taurine Exposure Alters Hematological and Chemical Properties of Blood in Adult Male Rats

Abstract

Perinatal taurine imbalance alters hormonal, neural, renal, and cardiovascular functions in adult animals. This study tested the effect of perinatal taurine depletion and supplementation on blood cells, plasma electrolytes, and lipid profiles in adult male rats. Female Sprague–Dawley rats were fed normal rat chow with 3 % beta alanine (taurine depletion, TD), 3 % taurine (taurine supplementation, TS) or tap water alone (control, C) from conception to weaning. Male offspring were fed normal rat chow and tap water throughout the study. At 13–16 weeks of age, body, heart, and kidney weights were not significantly different in TD and TS compared to C groups. Compared to control and TD, TS group displayed higher red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit. Perinatal taurine depletion or supplementation decreased platelet counts significantly, but only perinatal taurine supplementation significantly increased mean platelet volume compared to control group. Although total white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils were not significantly altered by perinatal taurine manipulations, neutrophils were significantly lower in TS compared to controls (but not to TD group). Non-fasting blood sugar, plasma sodium, and plasma calcium were not significantly different among the three groups, but both TD and TS showed significantly increased plasma potassium levels. Compared to controls, TD and TS did not affect plasma lipid profiles; however, low density lipoprotein levels were significantly higher in TS compared to TD groups. These data indicate that alterations in perinatal taurine (particularly supplementation) affect hematological parameters, electrolyte balance, and lipid profiles, potentially contributing to disorders in adult animals.