Teratogenic Effects of Maternal Lead Acetate Exposure on Wistar Rats (Rattus novergicus)

Authors

  • Ojo, Gideon Babatunde 1. Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical and Health Sciences, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria
  • Ojo, Femi Taiwo 2. Department of Biology, School of Science, Federal College of Education Special, Oyo, Nigeria
  • Adekoya, Adenike Mariam 1. Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical and Health Sciences, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria
  • Balogun, Olubunmi A 2. Department of Biology, School of Science, Federal College of Education Special, Oyo, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Lead is a heavy metal environmental pollutant and toxicant in human and experimental animals that causes both functional and structural impairments.

Aim and objectives: This study investigated dose-related effects of maternal lead exposure on pregnancy outcome.

Materials and methods: Twenty-one pregnant wistar rat were used and divided into three groups. Group 1 was given orally 4mg/kg distilled water, Group 2 was given orally 4mg/kg of lead acetate and Group 3 was given 8mg/kg of lead acetate for 21 days. Rats were then sacrificed by cervical dislocation.

Result and observations: It were observed that tail length and birth weight of group B and C showed both significant decrease (p < 0.0001) when compared to control group. Also, crown to rump length showed significant decrease (p < 0.001),  p < 0.0001) in group B and C respectively when compared to control group. However, number of births showed significant decrease (p < 0.05, p < 0.001) in group B and C when compared to control group.

Conclusion: The results demonstrated that maternal lead exposure adversely and dose-dependently (≥4mg/kg) affects pregnancy outcome.

 

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Published

2023-03-15

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2023): American Journal of Science on Integration and Human Development

Section

Articles