Maternal treatment with dexamethasone during lactation alters serum electrolyte and adrenal gland morphology in male offspring of wistar rats

Abstract

Background: Maternal treatment with dexamethasone during development altered glucocorticoid activity in Wistar rat offspring. Increased glucocorticoid levels may affect serum electrolyte levels and the architecture of the adrenal cortex. This study was designed to investigate the effects of maternal treatment with dexamethasone during lactation on serum electrolytes and structure of the adrenal gland. Methods: Twenty lactating dams were divided into 4 groups of 5 animals each. Group 1 was administered 0.02 ml/100g/day normal saline through lactation days 1-21. Group 2, 3 and 4 were administered 100 μg/kg/day dexamethasone (Dex) at lactation days 1-7, 1-14, and 1-21 respectively. The male offspring were sacrificed at 12weeks of age for evaluation of serum electrolytes and architecture of the adrenal gland. Results: The results showed that there was no significant difference in the serum Sodium and Chloride ion concentration in all the treatment groups when compared with control. Serum Potassium ion concentration was significantly reduced in the Dex1-14(p<0.05) and Dex1-21(p<0.01), when compared with control. The serum calcium level was also significantly increased (p<0.05) in all the treatment groups administered with dexamethasone when compared with control. In addition, histology of the adrenal gland revealed that there was thickening of the capsule. The Zona glomerulosa was not so prominent. There was also a focal area of necrosis in the Zona glomerulosa. Conclusion: The results from this study suggest that maternal treatment with dexamethasone during lactation may reduce serum potassium ion concentration but increase serum calcium ion concentration.