Albino Rat Offspring Research Articles

Effect of Induced Diabetes Mellitus on The Development and Structure of The Basolateral Amygdala Nucleus in The Offspring Of Albino Rats and The Possible Protective Role of Resveratrol

Effect of Induced Diabetes Mellitus on The Development and Structure of The Basolateral Amygdala Nucleus in The Offspring Of Albino Rats and The Possible Protective Role of Resveratrol

Evaluation of prenatal administration of valproic acid on the cerebellum of albino rat offspring

Introduction: Autism is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder of poorly understood etiology; which may be genetic, epigenetic or environmental. Valproic acid (VPA), the most widely used antiepileptic drug, has been reported to increase the risk of autism among the offspring of human mothers who are medicated with it during early pregnancy. Aim: The current work aimed to study the biochemical and histological changes in the cerebellum of the offspring of prenatally VPA treated rats. Materials and Methods: Twelve pregnant female albino rats were divided into two groups; control and VPA treated (50 mg/kg/day orally). The cerebellar sections of male offspring rats were subjected to biochemical tests (brain tissue Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and glutamate), histological examination, immunohistochemical analyses for the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), and electro microscopical studies. Results: VPA caused significant elevation in the brain levels of oxidative stress marker MDA, proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α and excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, with significant reduction in the level of brain antioxidant marker SOD, compared to the control group.

Histological and immunohistochemical study of the effect of early maternal deprivation on the hippocampus and dentate gyrus of male albino rat offspring at adulthood: The role of vitamin B12 supplementation after weaning

Histological and immunohistochemical study of the effect of early maternal deprivation on the hippocampus and dentate gyrus of male albino rat offspring at adulthood: The role of vitamin B12 supplementation after weaning

Histological Effects of Gestational and Lactational Acrylamide Exposure on the Fundic Mucosa of Adult Albino Rat Offspring and the Possible Ameliorative Role of Quercetin

Histological Effects of Gestational and Lactational Acrylamide Exposure on the Fundic Mucosa of Adult Albino Rat Offspring and the Possible Ameliorative Role of Quercetin

Evaluation ofBlood Lead Levels (Bll) of Albino Rat Offspring (Weanlings)Prenatally Exposed to Lead and Moringa Oleifera

Evaluation ofBlood Lead Levels (Bll) of Albino Rat Offspring (Weanlings)Prenatally Exposed to Lead and Moringa Oleifera

The effects of Aspartame on the postnatal development of the cerebellum in male albino rat offspring

The effects of Aspartame on the postnatal development of the cerebellum in male albino rat offspring

Effect of Lead Acetate on the ovarian growth in the Pre-pubertal and Pubertal periods in the offspring of Albino Rats and the Possible Protective Role of Nigella Sativa oil

Background: There are different responses of lead exposure including reduced fertility, spontaneous abortions, low birth weight, impairment in folliculogenesis, and even damage to the ovaries are also reported. Several reports confirmed the usefulness of black seed oil because of having more than one hundred of components as vol‌atile oil, vitamins and trace elements. Recently, clinical and animal studies revealed that the black seed extract has many therapeutic effects. Aim of work: To study the development of the ovary of the offspring of female rats exposed to lead acetate during pregnancy and lactation and the possible protective role of nigella sativa oil. Materials and methods: three groups were used; Group A: Includes 15 offspring of 20 control mothers, Group B: Includes 15 offspring of 20 mothers treated with orally lead acetate in a dose of 640mg/kg, Group c: includes 15 offspring of 20 mothers in addition to the same dose of lead acetate each rat was takenorally nigella sativa oil in a dose of 10mg/kg.Both treatments were given to mothers from gestational day 10 to post-natal day 21.After the last dose the abdomens were opened and the ovaries were removed and processed for light and transmission electron microscopic study.Results:Prenatal lead exposure caused Changes in ovarian architecture andsevere pathological changes in the ovarian follicles in the form of delayed development of primordial follicles, damage to the granulosa cells and degeneration to the oocyteswhich appeared shrunken with vacuolated cytoplasm and destructed zonapellucida. Administration of nigella sativa oil prevent the damaging effect of lead on the ovarian follicles, still some oocytes and follicles preserved its normal appearance. Conclusion: Exposure of mothers to lead acetate products cause harmful effects on the ovaries of the offspring, Administration of nigella sativa oil has an ameliorative effects on these damaging effects of lead acetate.

The Effect of Induction of Maternal Hypothyroidism on Postnatal Cerebellar Cortex Development in Albino Rat Offspring and the Role of Thyroxin Replacement Therapy Histological, Immunohistochemical and Genetic Study

Background: Maternal thyroid hormones are necessary for the growth of the central nervous system before birth and their shortage can delay cerebellum development.Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of maternal hypothyroidism induction on the development of the cerebellar cortex postnatally in offspring and to compare thyroxin replacement to mothers and postnatally to offspring.Material and Methods: Rat offspring were divided into 3 groups; group I (control), group II (hypothyroid); 15 offspring whose mothers received carbimazole (20 mg/kg/day orally) from the 1st gestational day to the 21st day of lactation. Group III (thyroid hormone replacement) included subgroup IIIa (15 rats) their mothers received carbimazole as group II and Levothyroxine (20 μg/kg/day subcutaneously) from the 10th day of gestation to 21st day of lactation, and subgroup IIIb (15 rats), their mothers received carbimazole as group II and offspring received Levothyroxine (20μg/kg/day subcutaneously) from day 1 postnatally. At the end of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd postnatal weeks, serum Thyroid-stimulating hormone, Free triiodothyronine, and thyroxin were estimated. Cerebellar cortex sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Neurofilament, Myelin basic protein, and Bcl2 immunohistochemical stains. The real-time polymerase chain reaction was done for the reelin gene.Results: Group II showed a significantly reduced Free triiodothyronine, thyroxin, and increased Thyroid-stimulating hormone. Vacuolation in the external granular layer and delayed its disappearance and degeneration of Purkinje cells that increased with age were observed. Reduced myelination, neurofilament content, and Reelin gene expression in the offspring were also detected. Replacement therapy (group III) especially to the mothers (subgroup IIIa) revealed amelioration of these changes.Conclusion: Maternal hypothyroidism impaired development of the offspring cerebellar cortex. However, thyroxin replacement for mothers was more effective than the treatment of offspring. Therefore, treatment of hypothyroid mothers during pregnancy is essential to ensure adequate cerebellar cortex development.

Study of the Effect of Prenatal Administration of Pregabalin on Cerebellar Cortex of Albino Rat's Offspring and the Possible Protective Role of Folic Acid

Background: Anti-epileptic drugs have harmful effects on the nervous system development. Pregabalin was approved in 2004 as new anti-epileptic drugs. Supplementation of folic acid during pregnancy is associated with a lower incidence of developmental problems in the nervous system. Objective (Aim): Assessment the effects of prenatal administration of pregabalin on the cerebellar cortex of albino rat’s offspring, and evaluation of folic acid's protective potential. Material and methods: 24 pregnant albino rats were divided equally into group I, group II and group III. From gestational day one until birth, Pregabalin (80 mg/kg body weight/day) was given to group I, pregabalin (80 mg/kg body weight/day) and folic acid (400 μg/kg body weight/day) were given to Group III and no medications were given to group I. At the age of two and four weeks, 30 offspring born to the experimental groups were sacrificed (5 offspring from each group for each age). Specimens were taken from the cerebellar cortices of rat’s offspring and were prepared for histological, immunohistochemical and histomorphometric studies. Results: The cerebellar cortex of offspring of group II showed disrupted architecture with marked degenerative changes especially in Purkinje cells. Degeneration of the axons with depletion of myelin sheath was detected. The cerebellar cortex of offspring of group III showed restoration of the normal architecture with improvement of the degenerative changes. Conclusions: Administration of Pregabalin during pregnancy has neurotoxic effects on the developing cerebellar cortex of albino rat’s offspring. In addition, the administration of folic acid alongside Pregabalin can reduce these neurotoxic effects.

Effect of maternal exposure to triclocarban on the postnatal development of the ovary in the albino rat offspring: A histological and immunohistochemical study

Effect of maternal exposure to triclocarban on the postnatal development of the ovary in the albino rat offspring: A histological and immunohistochemical study

Effects of Dihydroquercetin on Behavior of Albino Rat Offspring with Transgenerational Chemical Body Burden

Introduction. Lead pollution is a common environmental problem. Having no physiological functions, this toxicant has a negative polytropic impact on a body, including neurotoxic, reproductive, and transgenerational effects. The mechanism of lead toxicity is oxidative stress. Flavonoids have active antioxidant properties. They are widely represented in plant foods, are able to restore protective capabilities of cells and have chelating properties with respect to lead. One of the representatives of this group of substances is dihydroquercetin. The objective was to study the effect of dihydroquercetin on behavior of rats with hereditary chemical body burden exposed to lead at 60 mg/kg during 25 days. Materials and methods. We studied the behavior of rat offspring in an open field and established their blood lead levels by electrothermal atomization atomic absorption spectrometry. For statistical processing the U-Mann – Whitney test was used. Results. In the present experiment, the effect of lead on the offspring of male albino rats exposed to 60 mg/kg of lead for 25 days caused changes in the activity of animals in the open field. The severity of changes was more pronounced in animals with a hereditary chemical body burden. These animals showed a decrease in orientation and physical activity and increased anxiety. In rats with a hereditary burden, changes in behavior were detected when administering dihydroquercetin. The activity of animals demonstrated a positive dynamics: we observed a statistically significant increase in physical activity and orientation. The number and duration of behavioral acts approached control values. Conclusions. The revealed effects of lead on the offspring of albino rats with a transgenerational chemical body burden require further study to understand the mechanism of the phenomenon.

Effect of Iron Oxide Nanopartical on The FSH, LH and Testesteron Hormones in The offspring of Albino Rats

The study was carried out to investigate the effect of iron oxide nanoparticle(NP) on FSH,LH and Testosterone hormones in the offspring of albino rats. The study included twenty (20) offspring divided into two groups ,treated and control group . The results of the hormonal study showed the existence of significant increase (P? 0.05) in the mean levels of FSH,LH ,Testosterone of offspring treated groups compared with controls .

Effect of Perinatal Exposure to Low Dose Bisphenol A on Hepatic and Renal Tissues of Male Albino Rat Offspring: Histological, Immunohistochemical and Morphometric Studies

Introduction: Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals with worldwide human oral exposure. Guideline studies established a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) at 5 mg/kg body weight /day. Aim of The Work: to assess the hazards of oral maternal intake to low dose of BPA below NOAEL during pregnancy and lactation, on hepatic and renal tissues of male albino rat offspring through histological, immunohistochemical and morphometric studies. Material and Methods: Thirty pregnant albino rats were equally divided into three groups; group A did not receive any treatment, group B received 1mL corn oil orally once daily by gastric tube, group C received 200 μg/kg bw /day of BPA (dissolved in 1mL corn oil) by gastric tube once daily from 6th day of gestation until weaning. Forty male rat pups from each group were subdivided into four subgroups according to the age of sacrifice (1st, 3rd, 6th and 9th) postnatal weeks (PW). After weaning, treatment was stopped. Livers and kidneys' specimens were collected and prepared for histological, immunohistochemical, morphometric studies and statistical analysis. Results: Multiple histological degenerative changes in the hepatic and renal tissues of male albino rat offspring were observed after oral administration of low dose BPA to their mothers. These changes were obvious at 1st PW and progressed to become massive and extensive at 3rd and 6th PW then became less severe at 9th PW in spite of the cessation of BPA treatment at weaning. These results were confirmed by immunohistochemical and statistical studies. Conclusion: Perinatal maternal intake to low dose of BPA below the dose of NOAEL, induced histopathological changes in livers and kidneys of male albino rat offspring. These changes may be considered as indicator for possibility of neoplastic liability.

Effect Of Acrylamide On Development Of Cerebellum In Albino Rat

Introduction: Acrylamide (ACR) is a neurotoxic material to animals and humans.Aim: To elucidate the possible structural changes that may occur in cerebellum of male albino rat offspring after oral administration of acrylamide to their pregnant and lactating mothers.Material and Methods: After mating, 54 pregnant female rats were divided equally into three groups. Group A: did not receive any treatment and group B: received 10mgkgday of acrylamide orally from day 7 (D7) of gestation until birth. While, group C received the same dose and route of acrylamide from D7 of gestation until postnatal day (PD) 21. The male pups of each group were divided into subgroups according to the PD of sacrifice; PD7, PD14, and PD21 respectively. Cerebellum specimens were processed for light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, morphometeric and statistical studies.Results: With acrylamide treatment, the general observation revealed signals of neurological abnormalities. There were histopathological degenerative changes in the architecture of the cerebellum of all treated groups. These changes were greatly increased from group B to group C. Postnatally, pia mater detachment, cavitations, hemorrhage within folds and degenerated changes of all granular layers and Purkinje cells (PC) were observed. Statistically, a highly significant decrease in the thickness of external granular layer and number of normal PC was revealed in groups B and C when compared with group A. While area % of the bcl-2 immunoexpression showed a high significant increase.Conclusion: Acrylamide adversely affected the structure of the developing cerebellum of albino rat offspring exposed during gestation and lactation periods. The severity of these changes was increased with longer period of exposure. Further measures should be needed to minimize acrylamide formation in food.

Histological Effect of Formaldehyde as Food Preservative on Cerebellar Cortex of Albino Rat

AbstractBackground: Formaldehyde is an important chemical compound that is used widely in the industrial and medical setting. It is illegally used in excess amounts to preserve various kinds of foods that can affect the central nervous system particularly the cerebellar cortex.Aim of Study: This work aims to evaluate the extent of histological changes of the cerebellar cortex of albino rat's offspring that may be induced by oral administration of formaldehyde to their mothers throughout pregnancy and lactation or direct administration to the offspring itself.Material and Methods: The maximum dietary dose of formaldehyde (41.9mg/person/day) was used in this work. The used doses according to rat age were 0.74mg/adult, 0.104mg/2 weeks and 0.240mg/4 weeks. In this work, 42 pregnant albino rats and 120 of their offspring were used. They divided into 2 main groups; control and treated groups. The control group (Group C) consisted of 12 pregnant rats and 60 of their offspring. They were divided equally into C1, C2 and C3. The treated group (Group T) consisted of 30 pregnant rats and 60 of their offspring. They were divided equally into T1, T2 and T3. The pregnant rats of C1 and T1 received distilled water and formaldehyde respectively through-out pregnancy and for 2 weeks after delivery, then the 2 weeks old offspring received distilled water and formaldehyde respectively till the end of 8 weeks. The delivered rats of C2 and T2 received distilled water and formaldehyde respectively for 2 weeks. Then the 2 weeks old offspring received distilled water and formaldehyde respectively till the end of 8 weeks. The 2 weeks old offspring of C3 and T3 received distilled water and formaldehyde respectively till the end of 8 weeks. The cerebelli of all groups were extracted at two ages, at 4 and 8 weeks and immersed into suitable fixatives then prepared for light microscopic examination, in addition, the cerebelli of 8 weeks offspring were used for electron microscopic examination and morphometric studies.Results: In the present work, oral administration of for-maldehyde induced delayed development of all layers of the cerebellar cortex in form of irregularity and change in the shape and size of cells, decreased the thickness of its layers. It also induced degenerative changes in the form of cytoplasmic vacuoles, pyknosis, ill-defined nuclei, fragmented cytoplasmic processes, dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum, dilated Golgi apparatus, mitochondria with destructed cristae, and presence of areas of ill-defined structures.Conclusion: It could be concluded that the oral adminis-tration of formaldehyde caused delayed development and induced different histological changes in the cerebellar cortex of albino rat's offspring. These effects were directly propor-tional with the duration of its administration.

Hematological and immunological impairment following in-utero and postnatal exposure to aluminum sulfate in female offspring of albino rats

Aim: Aluminum (Al) is a ubiquitous element extensively utilized in many products like food additives, pharmaceuticals, and vaccines, but its hematotoxic and immunotoxic effects are not entirely clarified. The present study explored the developmental hematotoxic and immunotoxic properties of aluminum sulfate (AS) in rats’ offspring.Methods: Forty female offspring (10 rats each) were given three incremental AS doses plus a control group, from conception through lactation and after weaning until reached eight weeks old (near adults). Spleen relative weights along with total and differential blood counts were evaluated. Spectroscopic Al levels in spleen and brain were analyzed. Three immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, and IgE) and two cytokines, interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α, were measured through the ELISA technique.Results: The results revealed a significant relative increase in splenic weights mostly observed in the highest AS dose treated group. Reduction in the total leukocytic count was noticed in the three AS treated groups with relative lymphocytosis. Additionally, a significant decline in RBCs counts and hemoglobin concentrations were recorded. Tumor necrosis factor-α was significantly elevated in the three Al treated groups, while, interferon- γ showed a non-significant reduction compared to the control group. A significant increment in IgG and decline in IgE concentrations with no change in IgM level among groups were observed.Conclusion: Perinatal AS exposure caused mostly non-linear dose-dependent hematotoxicity and immunological impairment especially for the acquired immunity either cellular or humoral. Further studies can examine the immunotoxic effect of Al on male offspring during different stages of immune development.

Effect of Bisphenol (A) on the Cerebellar Cortex of Albino Rats and Possible Protective Effect of Omega 3

AbstractBackground: Bisphenol A is the most commercially used of bisphenol groups in plastic industry. It induces oxidative damage in the brain of rats.Aim of Study: The present work investigates the adverse effects of bisphenol A (5mg/kg/day) on the cerebellar cortex of albino rat's offspring of treated mothers throughout preg-nancy and lactation and the possible protective effect of omega 3.Material and Methods: Fifty pregnant albino rats were used in this work. They were divided into 4 groups: I- Control group (Group C); half of them did not receive any substance with their pallets (Group CN). The other half were given 0.54ml of corn oil/rat (Group CR). II- Omega 3 treated group (Group O); each rat was given 0.54ml of corn oil (contained 54mg of omega 3). III- Bisphenol A treated group (Group B); each rat was given 0.54ml of corn oil (contained 6.3mg of bisphenol A). IV- Bisphenol A and omega 3 treated group (Group BO); each rat was given the same dose of bisphenol A in Group B plus the dose of omega 3 in Group O. The treatments were given as a single daily dose orally by gastric tube throughout pregnancy and for 2 weeks after delivery. The cerebelli of the offspring of all groups were extracted at the ends of the 2nd and 8th weeks and prepared for light and electron microscopic examination and morphometric study.Results: Light and electron microscopic examinations and morphometric study showed that bisphenol A induced various signs of delayed development in the cerebellar cortex. It also induced degeneration and necrosis of the cerebellar cells and nerve fibers in the form of cytoplasmic vacuoles, dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum, swollen and degenerated mitochondria with destructed cristae. Nuclear changes were observed also in form of karyolysis, pyknosis, karyorrhexis and finally nuclear disappearance. Beside that there was decrease in the number of Purkinje cells. The deleterious effects of bisphenol A on the cerebellar cortex were irreversible on stoppage of its administration. However, combined admin-istration of omega 3 with bisphenol A alleviated the majority of its adverse effects.Conclusion: It could be concluded that bisphenol A induced various deleterious changes in the histological structure of the cerebellar cortex of albino rat's offspring of treated mothers throughout pregnancy and lactation. These changes were irreversible on withdrawal of bisphenol A. On the other hand combined administration of omega 3 with bisphenol A alleviated most of these changes.

Effect of fluoxetine hydrochloride on the histological structure of the cerebellar cortex of albino rat offspring of treated mothers

Background: Fluoxetine hydrochloride is one of the most commonly used antidepressants in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. Objectives: Demonstrating the effect of fluoxetine hydrochloride on the histological structure of the cerebellar cortex of albino rat offspring of treated mothers by 20 and 40 mgs throughout the first 2 weeks after delivery, and 40mg throughout the last week of pregnancy and the first 2 weeks after delivery. Materials and Methods: Sixty pregnant rats and 180 of their offspring were used in this work. They were divided equally into two main groups; A-control group (Group C) and B-treated group (Group T). The pregnant rats and their offspring of the control group were divided equally into C1, C2 and C3. Immediately after delivery, each delivered rat of C1 and C2 was given0.18 ml and 0.36 ml of distilled water respectively for two weeks. Each pregnant rat of C3 was given 0.36 ml of distilled water throughout the last week of pregnancy and for 2 weeks after delivery. The pregnant rats and their offspring of the treated group were divided equally into T1, T2 and T3. Immediately after delivery each delivered rat of T1 and T2 was given 0.18 ml (Containing 0.36 mg of fluoxetine hydrochloride) and 0.36 ml (Containing 0.72 mg of fluoxetine hydrochloride) of distilled water respectively for 2 weeks. Each pregnant rat of T3 was given 0.36 ml of distilled water (Contained 0.72 mg of fluoxetine hydrochloride) throughout the last week of pregnancy and for 2 weeks after delivery. The treatments were given once/day orally. The specimens were collected at two ages, i.e. 1-week and 2-weeks old. The cerebella of all studied offspring were used for light microscopic examination. In addition, the cerebella of 2-weeks old offspring of all groups were used for electron microscopic examination and morphometric study. Results: Light and electron microscopic examination and morphometric studies demonstrated that fluoxetine hydrochloride induced various signs of delayed development of the cerebellar cortex. It also induced degeneration and necrosis of the cerebellar cells and nerve fibers in the form of cytoplasmic vacuoles, dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum, swollen mitochondria with destructed cristae, degenerated mitochondria and nuclear changes in the form of karyolysis, pyknosis and karyorrhexis. Also, there was decrease in the number of Purkinje cells. Conclusion: Fluoxetine hydrochloride induced various deleterious changes in the histological structure of the cerebellar cortex of albino rat offspring of treated mothers. These changes were directly proportional with increasing the dose and duration of its administration.

Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder : A Case Report

Background: Oseltamivir phosphate (OP) is preferred treatment for influenza with activity against influenza A and B. It is commonly recommended for the treatment and chemoprophylaxis in pregnancy and lactation. Serious neuropsychiatric adverse reactions were observed in patient treated with OP. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effects of OP on prenatal and post-natal development of the albino rat cerebellar cortex. Material and methods: This study was carried out on 40 pregnant albino rats and 120 of their offspring of both sex, 3 from each mother. The pregnant rats were divided equally into 2 main groups A and B. Group A (control): it was subdivided equally into 2 subgroups A1 and A2. Group B (OP treated): it was subdivided equally into 2 subgroups B1 and B2. In group A, each rat mother was given 0.9 ml distilled water twice daily by oral gavage for successive 5 days. In group B, each rat mother was given 0.9 ml distilled water containing 1.35 mg OP twice daily by oral gavage for successive 5 days. Dosing started from the 15th to 19 th of pregnancy in subgroups A1 and B1 while it started from the 1st to 5th day after delivery in subgroups A2 and B2. Cerebelli were collected, on the 1st day of birth in subgroups A1 and B1, on the 7 th day of birth in subgroups A2 and B2, and on the 14 th day of birth in subgroups A1, A2, B1 and B2. The cerebelli of all subgroups were subjected to light microscopic study and the cerebelli of 14 days old offspring were subjected also, to transmission electron microscopic and morphometric studies and statistical analysis. Results: OP induced delayed development and neurotoxic effects on the cerebellar cortex of albino rat offspring whose mother dosed OP during pregnancy or during lactation. Conclusion: Oseltamivir phosphate induced pre and post-natal delayed development and neurotoxic insults on the cerebellar cortex of albino rat.

Dietary soy isoflavones during pregnancy suppressed the immune function in male offspring albino rats.

Phytoestrogens have an impact on both animals and humans due to use of legumes in animal diets as well as the increase of vegetarian diets in some human populations. Phytoestrogens thought to have varieties of adverse effects, among which immune system was involved. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of prenatal exposure to dietary soy isoflavones on some immunological parameters in male albino rat offspring. The pregnant rats were divided to three groups (12/group). Control group (free soy isoflavones), low soy isoflavones group (6.5%) and high soy isoflavones group (26%). The male offspring cell-mediated immune response was determined using phytohemagglutinin (PHA) injection and the intumesce index which was calculated on postnatal day 50 (PND 50). At PND 50, blood samples were collected for interleukin 12 (IL-12), interferon γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) determination. Spleen, thymus, and PHA injected footpads were fixed for histopathology. Intumesce index, IL-12, IFN-γ, spleen and thymus relative weights were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in offspring born to dams fed low and high dietary soy isoflavones. In contrary, TNF-α was significantly (P < 0.05) increased in offspring born to dams fed high dietary soy isoflavones. Spleen of rats born to dams fed high dose of dietary soy isoflavones showed coagulative necrosis in white pulp. In conclusion, male offspring born to dams fed different levels of soy isoflavones showed marked immunosuppression after PHA stimulation. This effect was mediated through the reduced IFN-γ that interacts with the IL-12 production pathway.