Tissues Of Pregnant Rats Research Articles

Effects of repeated doses of paracetamol administration during pregnancy on lung, kidney, and liver tissues of pregnant rats.

Paracetamol is one of the most widely used analgesics and antipyretics in the world. It is the most commonly used analgesic and antipyretic agent in pregnancy. Paracetamol is known to have toxic effects on the liver, lung, and kidney. In this study, we investigated the effects of long-term chronic paracetamol exposure on the lung, liver, and kidney in newborn rats at different trimesters of pregnancy. In our study, we formed control (group C), first trimester (group A), and third trimester (group B) groups. Group A had the first seven days of pregnancy and group B had days 15-21. Paracetamol was given orally during the specified periods. On the third postnatal day, pups were euthanized by applying 50 mg/kg ketamine intraperitoneally, and then lung, liver, and kidney tissues were kept under appropriate conditions for examination. A total of 70 pups underwent histopathological examination. The lung revealed congestion (p<0.0001), and erythrocytes (p<0.0001), the liver revealed significant histopathological findings in terms of the presence of inflammation (p<0.0001), vacuolar degeneration (p<0.0001), and sinusoidal dilatation in groups A and B compared to the control group under light microscopy. MDA and free radical metabolism enzyme activities, CAT, GSH, and SOD were evaluated. While there were no significant differences between the groups in lung and kidney tissues, oxidant parameters were significant in liver tissues. Our data point out that subacute doses of paracetamol used chronically in different trimesters caused damage to the lung, liver, and kidney tissues of pups.

Ingested Polystyrene Nanospheres Translocate to Placenta and Fetal Tissues in Pregnant Rats: Potential Health Implications.

Recent studies in experimental animals found that oral exposure to micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) during pregnancy had multiple adverse effects on outcomes and progeny, although no study has yet identified the translocation of ingested MNPs to the placenta or fetal tissues, which might account for those effects. We therefore assessed the placental and fetal translocation of ingested nanoscale polystyrene MNPs in pregnant rats. Sprague Dawley rats (N = 5) were gavaged on gestational day 19 with 10 mL/kg of 250 µg/mL 25 nm carboxylated polystyrene spheres (PS25C) and sacrificed after 24 h. Hyperspectral imaging of harvested placental and fetal tissues identified abundant PS25C within the placenta and in all fetal tissues examined, including liver, kidney, heart, lung and brain, where they appeared in 10-25 µm clusters. These findings demonstrate that ingested nanoscale polystyrene MNPs can breach the intestinal barrier and subsequently the maternal-fetal barrier of the placenta to access the fetal circulation and all fetal tissues. Further studies are needed to assess the mechanisms of MNP translocation across the intestinal and placental barriers, the effects of MNP polymer, size and other physicochemical properties on translocation, as well as the potential adverse effects of MNP translocation on the developing fetus.

LncRNA SNHG7 Knockdown Aggravates Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury and Promotes Apoptosis in Hemorrhagic Shock Pregnant Rats by Modulating miR-34a-5p/YWHAG Axis.

Hemorrhagic shock is a frequent threat to pregnant women, and blood transfusions can contribute to organ damage, including hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (HIR) injury. LncRNA SNHG7 (SNHG7) has been reported to exert an essential role in various diseases, while the effect of SNHG7 on HIR injury induced by hemorrhagic shock and reperfusion in pregnant rats is still unclear. In our study, we examined the function and mechanism of SNHG7 in the progression of HIR injury in pregnant rats. The results showed that SNHG7 expression was low in the hepatic tissues of pregnant rats after the hemorrhagic shock and reperfusion modeling. Knockdown of SNHG7 further aggravated hepatic injury, apoptosis, and oxidative stress induced by hemorrhagic shock and reperfusion during pregnancy. Additionally, SNHG7 was bound directly to miR-34a-5p, and miR-34a-5p inhibitors partially reversed the effect of SNHG7 silencing on models of hemorrhagic shock and reperfusion. Furthermore, YWHAG is a direct target of miR-34a-5p and is negatively regulated by miR-34a-5p mimics. Overexpression of YWHAG effectively eliminated the effect of SNHG7 knockdown on pregnant rats. In summary, this investigation proved that SNHG7 knockdown exacerbated HIR injury after hemorrhagic shock in pregnant rats, and reperfusion might by mediating miR-34a-5p/YWHAG axis, indicating that SNHG7 can serve as a target gene for the treatment of HIR injury caused by hemorrhagic shock and reperfusion during pregnancy.

Effects of insufficient serine on health and selenoprotein expression in rats and their offspring.

ObjectiveTo observe the impact of insufficient exogenous and/or endogenous serine on selenoprotein expression and health of pregnant rats and their offspring.MethodExperiment 1 was conducted in male rats, in which the dose-dependent effects of serine on selenoprotein expression and thyroid hormones (T3, T4 and TSH) were investigated by feeding either a serine adequate diet (20C), serine-deprived diet (20CSD) or 20CSD with different serine levels (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 times the amount of serine in 20C). In experiment 2, a PHGDH inhibitor was administrated to pregnant rats fed either 20C or 20CSD. Blood and organ tissues of pregnant rats and offspring were subjected to the analyses of thyroid hormone, serine and homocysteine and GPx3 and SELENOP in plasma and expression of GPx1 and DIO1, 2 in tissues respectively.ResultIn experiment 1, plasma SELENOP and GPx3 levels in adult male rats increased with the increasing dose of serine. Immunohistochemical results showed that GPx1 expression in liver and kidney of male rats also increased with increasing serine supplementation. Amongst all diet groups, only male rats fed 20CSD had significantly lower plasma TSH and T4 levels (P < 0.05). In experiment 2, GPx1 and DIO2 expression in the liver and kidney were suppressed in pregnant rats administered with a PHGDH compared to those who were not (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in plasma T4 and T3 amongst all diet groups (P > 0.05). Also, offspring born to pregnant rats administered with a PHGDH inhibitor exhibited slower growth rates and hyperhomocysteinemia compared to offspring from mothers not administered with the inhibitor (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Insufficient exogenous serine through the diet decreased selenoprotein synthesis in adult male rats. However, this was not observed in pregnant rats, whereby exogenous or endogenous serine deficiency had no effect on the selenoprotein levels. A possible explanation is that dams may have an adaptive mechanism to limit maternal serine utilization and ensure adequate supply to the fetus.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SKIN DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES IN PREGNANCY (EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the dielectric characteristics of the skin that occur during pregnancy in an experiment. The study included 60 Wistar rats, 30 of which were pregnant (in the 3rd trimester; parturition took place 2–3 days after the study). Once, on a pre-epilated area of the skin of the back, the dielectric properties were studied using the method of near-field resonant microwave sensing. The diagnostic software and hardware complex for microwave sensing allows calculating the level of dielectric permittivity of the medium and conductivity based on the shift of the resonant frequency. Based on the conducted studies, it was found that the integumentary tissues of pregnant rats have a significantly higher level of dielectric permittivity and conductivity compared to non-pregnant animals. Such shifts are caused by the formation of edematous syndrome associated with pregnancy, and predispose to the development of postpartum skin changes.

Characterization of Mitochondrial Bioenergetics in Preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by new onset hypertension during pregnancy and is associated with oxidative stress, placental ischemia, and autoantibodies to the angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1-AA). Mitochondrial (mt) dysfunction in PE and various sources of oxidative stress, such as monocytes, neutrophils, and CD4 + T cells, have been identified as important players in the pathophysiology of PE. We have established the significance of AT1-AA, TNF-α, and CD4 + T cells in causing mitochondrial (mt) dysfunction in renal and placental tissues in pregnant rats. Although the role of mt dysfunction from freshly isolated intact placental mitochondria has been compared in human PE and normally pregnant (NP) controls, variations among preterm PE or term PE have not been compared and mechanisms contributing to mt ROS during PE are unclear. Therefore, we hypothesized PE placentas would exhibit impaired placental mt function, which would be worse in preterm PE patients than in those of later gestational ages. Immediately after delivery, PE and NP patient’s placentas were collected, mt were isolated and mt respiration and ROS were measured. PE patients at either < or >34 weeks gestational age (GA) exhibited elevated blood pressure and decreased placental mt respiration rates (state 3 and maximal). Patients delivering at >34 weeks exhibited decreased Complex IV activity and expression. Placental mtROS was significantly reduced in both PE groups, compared to NP placental mitochondria. Collectively, the study demonstrates that PE mt dysfunction occurs in the placenta, with mtROS being lower than that seen in NP controls. These data indicate why antioxidants, as a potential target or new therapeutic agent, may not be ideal in treating the oxidative stress associated with PE.

Vitamin E plays a protective role while acrylamide administration disrupted the placenta structure in pregnancy: An experimental study

Aim: The present study aimed to investigate possible variations in the placental tissues of rats upon acrylamide (AA) and vitamin E (Vit E) applications between the 0th and 20th days of pregnancy. Materials and Methods: Pregnant rats were divided into control, corn oil, AA, Vit E, AA + Vit E groups. At the end of the experimental period, the abdominal tissue of pregnant rats that were anesthetized with xylazine-ketamine was incised, and the placental tissues that connect the mother and the fetus were removed. Biochemical analyses were conducted based on the malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), protein, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) levels in placental tissues.Results: It was observed that there were no differences between the control and corn oil groups. It was determined that AA administration increased MDA, TOS and OSI levels and decreased SOD, CAT, TAS, and GSH levels when compared to all other groups. Vit E administration increased GSH, TAS, SOD and CAT levels when compared to all other groups. In the AA + Vit E group, it was observed oxidative stress parameters approached control group levels.Conclusion: Administration of 10 mg/kg/bw AA led to placental oxidative stress in pregnant rats. This action induced by AA was not only through the increase in MDA, TOS and OSI levels, but also through the reduction of GSH, SOD, CAT, and TAS levels, leading to the deterioration of the oxidant-antioxidant balance. Administration of 100 mg/kg/bw Vit E increased antioxidant capacity in placental tissue. To minimize AA-induced toxicity exposure, we recommend the consumption of sufficient Vit E throughout life not only during pregnancy.

Carisoprodol (Somadril) induced histological and histochemical changes in renal cortex of pregnant rats and their fetuses

Background: carisoprodol is a generally prescribed skeletal muscle relaxant whose primary active metabolite is meprobamate, a substance with well-established abuse potential similar to that of benzodiazepines. A number of reports showed that carisoprodol has been abused for its anodyne and relaxant effects. Aim of the work: the diversion and misuse of carisoprodol and its adverse health effects appeared to be dramatically increased over the last several years. This study aimed to detect the histological and histochemical changes in the cortex of kidney tissue of pregnant rats and their fetuses after treatment with carisoprodol. Materials and Methods: thirty pregnant female rats were randomly categorized into three groups (ten pregnant female rats in each group). The first was administered oral doses of distilled water and served as control. The other two groups were administered oral doses of carisoprodol (Somadril compound) in the distilled water equivalent to 10.8 and 21.6 mg/100g body weight/day respectively for 15 days from the 6th day to the 20th day of gestation. Results: maternal and fetal kidney cortex tissue of both treated groups showed lots of degenerative changes post-treatment with carisoprodol. The severity of these changes was more obvious in fetal cortex of kidney tissue of both groups this was accompanied with numerous histochemical changes. Conclusion: treatment of pregnant rats with carisoprodol led to numerous dystrophic changes in the maternal and fetal kidney cortex tissue. These findings provide evidence to support current recommendations to avoid the use of carisoprodol in pregnant rats except if the potential benefit justifies the risk to the fetuses.

Effects of Resistance and Endurance Training on HIF-1α and VEGF in Heart Tissues of Pregnant Rats with Cadmium Toxicity

Background: Exposure to cadmium can cause cardiovascular disorders, including possible risks of angiogenesis abnormalities associated with Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF), in pregnancy period. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of resistance and endurance training on HIF-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in heart tissue of pregnant rats with cadmium toxicity. Methods: In this study, 48 female rats were selected and divided into 6 groups of 8 rats, including (1) cadmium, (2) resistance training, (3) resistance training with cadmium consumption, (4) endurance training, (5) endurance training with cadmium consumption, and (6) control. Groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 performed three weeks of resistance and endurance training, five sessions per week. Also, groups 1, 3, and 5 received cadmium as cadmium chloride dissolved in water as 400 mg per liter through drinking water. To analyze the data, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, One-way ANOVA, and Tukey’s post hoc tests were used and P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Cadmium had a significant effect on the increase of HIF1-α and VEGF (P = 0.001); resistance training had a significant effect on the increase of HIF1-α (P = 0.03), resistance training (P = 0.02) and endurance training (P = 0.001) had a significant effect on the increase of VEGF. Also, resistance training with cadmium consumption as well as endurance training with cadmium consumption significantly decreased HIF1-α (P = 0.001) and VEGF (P = 0.001), compared with cadmium consumption. Conclusions: Cadmium appears to lead to an abnormal increase in HIF-1α and VEGF in the heart tissues of pregnant rats, which can stimulate abnormal angiogenesis of tumors; however, resistance and endurance training can reduce the severity of cadmium effects on abnormal angiogenesis of the heart tissue of pregnant rats.

The effects of acrylamide and vitamin E on kidneys in pregnancy: an experimental study

Objectives: The objective of this study is to investigate possible damages to kidney tissues of pregnant rats and their fetuses exposed to acrylamide during pregnancy and possible protective effects of vitamin E against these damages.Material and methods: Rats were randomly assigned to five groups of control, corn oil, vitamin E, acrylamide, vitamin E + acrylamide, six pregnant rats in each. Mother and fetal kidney tissues were examined for malondialdehyde (MDA), reductase glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), urea, creatine, trace elements such as Zn and Cu in the serum and histopathological analyses were conducted.Results: It was determined that acrylamide, administered during pregnancy, statistically significantly increased MDA and TOS levels, maternal serum urea, creatinine, and Zn levels, while it decreased GSH, TAS, SOD, and CAT levels (p ≤ .05) when compared with all other groups in the kidney tissues of pregnant rats and their fetuses and caused tubular degeneration, hemorrhage, narrowing, and closure in Bowman’s space, and, in the E vitamin group, it statistically significantly increased GSH, TAS, SOD, CAT, urea, creatinine, and Zn levels when compared with other groups and lowered TOS and MDA levels to those of the control group (p < .05) and there were no differences between the groups histologically.Conclusion: It was observed that acrylamide administered during pregnancy caused oxidative stress in kidney tissues of mother rats and their fetuses, resulting in tissue damage, and vitamin E application, which is considered to be a powerful antioxidant, inhibited oxidative stress.

Maternal and Fetal Toxicity of Carisoprodol

Aim of the work: this study aimed to detect the histological and histochemical changes in liver tissue of pregnant rats and their fetuses after treatment with carisoprodol. Material and methods: thirty pregnant female rats were randomly categorized into three groups (ten pregnant female rats in each group). The first was administered oral doses of distilled water and was served as control. The other two groups were administered oral doses of carisoprodol in the distilled water equivalent to 10.8 mg and 21.6 mg/100g body weight/day respectively for 15 days from the 6th day to the 20th day of gestation. Numerous histological and histochemical studies were done to detect the histopathological and histochemical changes. Results: maternal and fetal liver tissue of both treated groups showed lots of degenerative changes post-treatment withcarisoprodol. The severity of these changes was more obvious in fetal liver tissue of both groups this was accompanied with numerous histochemical changes. Conclusion: treatment of pregnant rats withcarisoprodol led to numerous dystrophic changes in maternal and fetal liver tissue.

Gebe Ratlara uygulanan Akrilamid ve E Vitaminin Plasenta Dokusu Üzerine Olası Etkilerinin Araştırılması

Investigate the changes that occur in the placenta tissues of pregnant rats that were administered acrylamide (AA) and vitamin E as a protective agent during pregnancy.&#x0D; Thirty rats that were proven positive for pregnancy with vaginal smear test were randomly distributed into control, corn oil, vitamin E, acrylamide and vitamin E + acrylamide groups. Pregnant rats were decapitated on the 20th day of the experiment. Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAS), total oxidant capacity (TOS) and Xanthine oxidase (XO) levels were measured in placenta tissues. It was determined that acrylamide application during pregnancy statistically significantly increased MDA, TOS and XO levels and reduced GSH and TAS levels in the placenta tissue of pregnant rats when compared to all other groups, and GAS and TAS levels statistically significantly increased in vitamin E administered group when compared to all other groups and TOS and XO levels were decreased to control group levels. It was observed that orally administered AA changed the antioxidant / oxidant equilibrium favoring the oxidants by increasing MDA, XO and TOS levels in pregnant rats and caused oxidative stress, while vitamin E administration returned the antioxidant / oxidant equilibrium back to normal levels, preventing oxidative stress induced toxicity.

The effects of vitamin D3 on lipogenesis in the liver and adipose tissue of pregnant rats.

Obesity is a worldwide individual and public health issue, and contributes to the development of numerous chronic diseases. In particular, maternal obesity has harmful effects on both the mother and child during and after pregnancy. The digestion and metabolism of food are controlled by endocrine factors, including insulin, glucagon and estrogen. These hormonal factors are differentially regulated during pregnancy due to the specialized hormonal environment during this period. In the present study, we examined the effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitaminD3(VD3), an active hormonal form of nutritional vitaminD3, on lipid metabolism in pregnant rats. The body weight of rats treated with VD3 was significantly reduced compared to that of the rats in the control group. In addition, histological analysis demonstrated that the amount of fat stored in adipocytes was reduced by treatment with VD3. To determine the role of VD3 in lipid metabolism, the expression levels of lipid metabolism‑associated genes were measured in the rat adipose tissue and liver. VD3 negatively regulated the expression of various lipogenic genes, including fatty acid synthase(FAS), stearoyl-CoA desaturase1(SCD1) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase1(ACC1), in both the adipose tissue and liver. However, the regulators of lipogenic enzymes such as, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c(SREBP-1c), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ(PPAR-γ) and insulin-induced gene2(INSIG2) were differentially regulated by VD3 in a tissue‑specific manner. On the whole, these findings suggest that VD3 regulates lipid metabolism and deposition in the liver and adipose tissue, and thereby reduces fat in pregnant animals, as well as body weight. Our results suggest that the alteration of lipogenesis through the administration of VD3 may help to reduce excessive weight gain during pregnancy and prevent obesity‑related pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, hypertension and issues with labor.

Increased Oxidative DNA Damage in Placenta Contributes to Cadmium-Induced Preeclamptic Conditions in Rat.

To explore the possible mechanisms of cadmium (Cd)-induced preeclamptic conditions in rats. In the present study, we introduced the in vivo model of preeclampsia by giving intraperitoneal injections of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) to pregnant rats from gestational day (GD) 4 to 19. Maternal body weights were recorded on GD 0, 14, and 20, while their systolic blood pressures (SBPs) monitored on GD 3, 11, and 18. On GD 20, rats were sacrificed and the specimens were collected. The morphological changes of placenta and kidney tissues of pregnant rats were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining assay. Blood Cd level was detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was evaluated using FRAP method and total nitrite (NOx) was detected with Griess reagent. Antioxidative factors and DNA damage/repair biomarkers were measured by real-time qPCR, western blot or immunohistochemistry study. The current results showed that CdCl2-treated pregnant rats developed preeclampsia (PE)-like manifestations, such as hypertension, albuminuria, with decreased TAC and increased blood Cd level, and pro-oxidative/antioxidative or DNA damage/repair biomarkers. Our study demonstrated that increased oxidative DNA damage in placenta could contribute to Cd-induced preeclamptic conditions in rat.

Consumption of distinct dietary lipids during early pregnancy differentially modulates the expression of microRNAs in mothers and offspring.

Diet during pregnancy and lactation influences the offspring’s health in the long-term. Indeed, human epidemiological studies and animal experiments suggest that different type of fatty acids consumption during pregnancy affect offspring development and susceptibility to metabolic disorders. Epigenetic changes are thought to be elicited by dietary factors during critical timing of development. microRNAs (miRNAs) are versatile regulators of gene expression. Thus, we aimed to determine the influence of different fatty acids on miRNA expression in offspring when given during early pregnancy. We fed pregnant either soybean (SO), olive (OO), fish (FO), linseed (LO), or palm-oil (PO) diets from conception to day 12 of gestation; and standard diet thereafter. miRNA expression was assessed in liver an adipose tissue of pregnant rats and their virgin counterparts. While liver concentrations of fatty acids in pregnant or virgin rats replicated those of the diets consumed during early pregnancy, their pups’ liver tissue marginally reflected those of the respective experimental feeds. By contrast, the liver fatty acid profile of adult offsprings was similar, regardless of the diet fed during gestation. Different parental miRNAs were modulated by the different type of fatty acid: in adult offspring, miR-215, miR-10b, miR-26, miR-377-3p, miR-21, and miR-192 among others, were differentially modulated by the different fatty acids fed during early pregnancy. Overall, our results show that maternal consumption of different types of fatty acids during early pregnancy influences miRNA expression in both maternal and offspring tissues, which may epigenetically explain the long-term phenotypic changes of the offspring.

Protective effect of sRAGE on fetal development in pregnant rats with gestational diabetes mellitus.

To investigate the protective effect of secretory receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (sRAGE) on the fetal development using rat model of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The model of pregnant rats with intrauterine hyperglycemia was established by intraperitoneal injection of 25mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). Rats with established GDM were randomly grouped, and the pregnant rats in the experimental group were subsequently injected with recombinant sRAGE protein (5mg/kg, in 0.2mL PBS) at tail vein every 24h, while the rats in control group were injected with the same dosage of albumin solution. Blood glucose, serum levels of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs), and levels of RAGE protein in brain and heart tissues of pregnant rats were measured at 3, 13, and 19days postconception. At 19days fetuses were delivered by cesarean section, number of fetuses, their weight and placental weights were recorded, and fetal malformations and defects were analyzed visually and pathologically. The expression level of RAGE, NOX2, MCP-1, p65, VCAM-1, and VEGF mRNA in placenta was evaluated by real-time PCR. p65 protein localization was detected by immunohistochemistry in fetal brain and heart tissue sections. We analyzed the correlation between AGEs and RAGE level and the development of fetal rats, and the protective effect of blocking AGEs-RAGE pathway on the fetal development in the rat model of GDM was investigated. (1) The concentration of blood glucose and AGEs in serum of pregnant rats with GDM was significantly higher than in control group (p<0.05), with strong correlation between blood glucose and levels of AGEs (r=0.693, p<0.05). (2) While both the number of fetuses and placental wet weight in pregnant rat model of GDM were similar to control group, pups from GDM group exhibited higher incidence of developmental abnormalities and higher average weight (p<0.05). sRAGE treatment slightly but not significantly reduced the probability of the fetal developmental defects, as compared to GDM group. (3) p65, a part of the NF-kB heterodimeric complex, was localized to cell nuclei in the fetal tissues of pups delivered by GDM rats, while sRAGE treatment partially restored cytoplasmic localization of p65, similarly to control tissues. Increased incidence of fetal developmental defects observed in offsprings of pregnant rats with GDM had significant correlation with the level of AGEs in serum of pregnant rats and expression levels of RAGE protein in tissues. GDM resulted in upregulation of mRNA expression of several pro-inflammatory and ROS-inducing genes in placental tissues of pregnant rats. Elevated blood glucose, serum AGEs levels, and increased gene expression are attenuated by intravenous sRAGE treatment. sRAGE appears to reduce the activity of NF-κB in fetal tissues, thus potentially having a protective effect on fetal development.

Prostaglandin F receptor expression in intrauterine tissues of pregnant rats

In this investigation, we studied the expression and localization of rat prostaglandin F (FP) receptor in uterine tissues of rats on gestational Days 10, 15, 18, 20, 21, 21.5 and postpartal Days 1 and 3 using Western blotting analysis, real-time PCR, and immunohistochemistry. A high level of immunoreactivity was observed on gestational Days 20, 21, and 21.5 with the most significant signals found on Day 20. FP receptor protein was expressed starting on gestational Day 15, and a fluctuating unsteady increase was observed until delivery. Uterine FP receptor mRNA levels were low between Days 10 and 18 of gestation (p < 0.05). The transcript level increased significantly on Day 20 and peaked on Day 21.5 just before labor (p < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between FP receptor mRNA expression and serum estradiol levels (rs = 0.78; p < 0.01) along with serum estradiol/progesterone ratios (rs = 0.79; p < 0.01). In summary, we observed an increase FP receptor expression in rat uterus with advancing gestation, a marked elevation of expression at term, and a concominant decrease during the postpartum period. These findings indicate a role for uterine FP receptors in the mediation of uterine contractility at term.

Effect of cytochrome P‐450 epoxygenase and hydroxylase metabolites on rat myometrium contractility in non‐pregnancy, late pregnancy and late pregnancy under inflammatory conditions

The aim of the present experimental study was to assess the tocolytic effect of eicosanoids on myometrium from non-pregnant and pregnant rats with or without an induced inflammatory condition. Three hundred myometrial rings were obtained by median laparotomy from 50 Sprague-Dawley rats divided into three groups: (i) non-pregnant (n = 15); (ii) pregnant in absence (n = 20); or (iii) pregnant in presence (n = 15) of lipopolysaccharide treatment, timed at 22 days of pregnancy. Spontaneous contractile activities were compared by isometric tension measurements. The effects of epoxy- and hydroxyeicosanoids derived from arachidonic acid as well as specific enzyme inhibitors were assessed. Changes were expressed as percentage of basal activity by calculating the area under the curve as a function of drug concentration and compared to the effect of the vehicle. A decrease in contractile activity ranging 10-25% was observed upon addition of epoxy- and hydroxyeicosanoids. Increasing epoxyeicosanoid bioavailability by inhibiting their degradation induced a tocolytic effect in the non-pregnant group (20%) and in inflammation-induced condition (40%). There was a significant difference in reactivity between groups and pregnancy condition. Semiquantification of metabolic enzymes that produce (cytochrome P-450 epoxygenase) and degrade (soluble epoxide hydrolase) epoxyeicosanoids by western blot analysis revealed that these enzymes were mainly detected in the non-pregnant group. Eicosanoids can modify myometrial reactivity and their presence and effects are amplified in non-pregnant and in inflammation-induced condition. Our data suggest that in contrast to prostaglandins, epoxyeicosatrienoic acids are likely involved in the quiescence phase of parturition because they reduce the rhythmic contractile activity of uterine tissues in pregnant rats.

Effect of Obesity on the Acute Inflammatory Response in Pregnant and Cycling Female Rats

Nonpregnant female rats have a lower inflammatory response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) than males and, at late stages of gestation, the fever response to this immunogen is almost completely suppressed. We have shown in males that obesity exacerbates sickness responses to pathogenic stimuli. In the present study, we investigated whether obesity would have a similar effect in females and reverse some of the suppressive effects of pregnancy on the innate immune response. Lean and diet-induced obese adult Wistar rats were randomly separated into either cycling or mated groups. On day 18 of pregnancy or in the metestrous/dioestrous phase in cycling rats, a single injection of LPS (100 μg/kg) was administered and rats were sacrificed 8h or 24 h later. In pregnant females, LPS induced a higher increase in body temperature in obese rats only at the 24-h time point and lower hypothalamic interleukin (IL)-1β expression and higher circulating levels of IL-1 receptor antagonist (ra) than their cycling counterparts. Conversely, there was no suppression of inflammatory signals in the white adipose tissue of pregnant rats. At 24 h post LPS, the cell surface marker CD11c and IL-6 mRNA expression were increased in white adipose tissue from obese rats regardless of reproductive state, whereas IL-1ra was highest in the LPS-treated obese pregnant group. In cycling females, LPS induced a higher fever response in obese rats accompanied by higher circulating levels of IL-6 and IL-1ra, as well as an increase in circulating leptin only in the obese cycling group. In the hypothalamus, obese rats showed significantly higher expression of nuclear factor-IL-6 in at the 8-h time point. Collectively, these results show that diet-induced obesity in females is associated with a similar pattern of response to that previously observed in males. On the other hand, obesity had limited effects in pregnant rats, with the exception of white adipose tissue.

The Possible Protective Role of Bone Marrow Transplantation against Alternations Induced by Gamma Radiations on Heart of Pregnant Albino Rats and Their Fetuses

Aim of the work: It is well recognized that radiation can be carcinogenic. Bone marrow cells (BM) suppress immune cell responses and have beneficial effects in various inflammatory-related immune disorders. The present study is designed to evaluate the possible role of bone marrow to restore certain histopathological and histochemical changes in the cardiac tissues of pregnant rats which exposed to gamma rays. Material and Methods: The experimental animals were divided into five groups: 1- Group of control pregnant rats. 2- Group I&amp;II of pregnant rats irradiated with γ-rays on days 7 or 14 of gestation. 4- Group III&amp; IV of pregnant rats irradiated with γ-rays on day 7 or 14 of gestation and treated with BM one hour post-exposure. All the previous groups were sacrificed on day 20 of gestation (1 day prior delivery). Results: Exposure of pregnant rats to γ-rays on day 7 or day 14 of gestation showed many pathological and histochemical changes in the cardiac tissues. These changes were more pronounced on day 14 of gestation. Bone marrow transplantation post-irradiation improved cardiac muscle architecture. On the other hand, fetal cardiac tissue was more sensitive to γ-rays than those of their mothers especially on day 14 of gestation. Bone marrow transplantation post-irradiation improved the tissue architecture which restored its normal histological and histochemical pictures. Conclusion: It can be concluded that bone marrow transplantation post-irradiation showed somewhat a considerable ability to overcome radiation injuries or damages from the histological and histochemical point of view on day 7 or 14 of gestation.