Stressor and Multi‐Organ Antioxidant Profile following Early Life Maternal Deprivation in Albino Rats

Abstract

One‐week‐old albino pups were separated from their dams for a period of 24 to 48 hours. Sixty (60) rats were divided into 6 equal groups (n=10). Group A rats were separated for 24 hours and given glucose subcutaneously (200mg/kg) at 2, 7, 12 and 22 hours post maternal deprivation (MD). Group B rats received no intervention or treatment. Group C was subjected to 24 hours MD and given distilled water at regular intervals as group A. Group D rats had no MD but were given distilled water at same intervals as group A. Groups E and F were subjected to 48‐hour MD and administered Glucose or distilled water respectively at 2, 7, 17, 22, 27, 32, 42 and 47 hours post MD. Blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical analyses.Significant weight gains were recorded in the groups with no maternal deprivation. The 48‐hour MD group supplemented with glucose competed favorably, showing a 7.2% weight gain over two days. At the other end of the spectrum, the 24‐hour MD supplemented with distilled water group recorded a 3% weight loss.The results show a graded rise in brain total protein values with time, with the highest values recorded in the 48‐hour MD + distilled water group and the lowest in the 24‐hour MD + distilled water group. Other organs showed no significant differences between groups. There were no differences across groups in all the organs assayed for nitric oxide (NO) either. For specific oxidative stress markers, Brain malondialdehyde (MDA) levels appear to be significantly lowest at the 48‐hour MD + distilled water group when compared with other groups. This correlated with a time dependent depletion in the brain antioxidant enzyme profiles studied. Brain GST, GPX and SOD all show highest concentrations in the 24‐hour MD + glucose group with lowest values recorded in the 48‐hour MD + distilled water group. Other organs did not show marked differences in between groups.Cortisol levels were assayed to evaluate stressor responses. The highest concentrations were seen in the 48‐hour MD + glucose group with the least seen in the 24‐hour MD + distilled water group. Consequently, parenteral administration of fluids (water and glucose) are a poor substitute for maternal nutrition although initial evidence points towards potential decline in brain antioxidant profile.Support or Funding InformationThe Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) of Nigeria. The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Nigeria.The Cardiorenal research group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan; especially Professor Adeolu A. Adedapo, Dr. Tayo O. Omobowale, Dr. Ademola A. Oyagbemi and Dr. Jerry Afolabi.Brain Total Protein (TP) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) charts of all the groupsFigure 1