Pre- and Post-Natal Endotoxin Exposures: Effects on Leucocyte Ratios and Levels of IL-1β, TNF-, Gonadotropins and Corticosterone in Female Rats

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the long-term effects of prenatal and postnatal endotoxin exposure on hematological parameters, blood cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β), gonadotropins and corticosterone levels in female rats. Material and Method: Pregnant rats were injected intraperitoneally sterile saline (SF) or endotoxin (LPS) on days 17-18 of pregnancy. Following birth, female pups were subdivided into two groups and injected either sterile saline (SF, n=17) or endotoxin (LPS, n=17) on postnatal day 60 and four experimental groups were formed (SF+SF, SF+LPS, LPS+SF and LPS+LPS). Blood samples were taken 4 hours after final injection. Plasma levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, corticosteron, LH, FSH and blood leucocyte ratios were evaluated.Results: Neutrophil % ratio was higher but lymphocyte % ratio was lower in SF+LPS, LPS+SF and LPS+LPS groups than SF+SF group. Corticosterone, LH and FSH levels were not different between the groups but TNF-α level of LPS+LPS groups was higher than SF+SF and LPS+SF groups. IL-1β level of SF+LPS group was higher than SF+SF and LPS+SF groups. Conclusion: The results suggest that prenatal and post-pubertal endotoxin exposure programs cytokine level neutrophil and lymphocyte percentages without affecting hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal and –gonadal axes.