The effects of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) on brain histological or functional development were examined in rats. IUGR was induced by ligating the bilateral uterine arteries at day 17 of pregnancy. On day 22 of pregnancy, cesarean section was performed, and pups with a birth weight of <2 SD of the mean birth weight of control pups were regarded as IUGR rats. Morphological changes of the brain were studied by Nissl’s staining at different timepoints during prenatal and postnatal periods. For behavioral study, an open-field test was performed at 5, 7 and 10 weeks after birth. Histological studies showed the migration disorder of the neurons in the cerebral cortex from embryonic day 17 to postnatal day (PD) 49. The open-field test revealed locomotor disturbance at PD49 in male IUGR rats, but not in female IUGR rats or control rats. It is concluded that IUGR due to antenatal ischemia-hypoxia causes morphological changes in the central nervous system, and induces behavioral impairment, particularly in male rats.

Keywords:
Ischemia-hypoxia, Intrauterine growth retardation, Brain development, Behavioral activity
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel
2001
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.