Gestational protein restriction induces a reduced number of glomeruli in the young
2002
Courrèges, M Cecilia | Macagno, M Eugenia | Díaz, Mariá L. | Monserrat, Alberto J.
In order to study the effect of low protein content in maternal diet on kidney development of pups, Wistar female rats were fed isocaloric diets containing 4%, 8% or 20% protein throughout pregnancy and transferred to a commercial diet during lactation. Birth weight of pups was significantly lower (p < 0.05) only when mothers were fed 4% protein diet. Offspring of the 3 groups of dams were weaned on the 21st day and sacrificed 7 days later. Significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the number of glomeruli but not in their diameter, glomerular sclerosis index or interstitial fibrosis index were found in the pups born to mothers fed both low protein diets. Plasma creatinine was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in offspring of both low protein diets, while homocysteine only in that born to the 4% protein fed mothers. So, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that maternal undernutrition can determine a reduction in nephron number and hence influence adult cardiovascular and renal diseases.
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