Exposure of Uranium to Pregnant Rats and Effects on Postnatal Development

Uranium (U) has an adverse effect on the female rat. They also have an effect on the developmental of the foetus. Adult female rats were administered uranyl acetate dihydrate (UAD) in the drinking water at doses of 0, 40 and 80 mg/(kg day) for 4 weeks before mating with untreated males, as well as during pregnancy and lactation. One-half of female rats in each group were concurrently subjected to restraint (2 hour/day). On gestation Day 14, one-half of restrained and unrestrained rats were sacrificed in order to evaluate maternal toxicity and gestational parameters. Uranium concentrations were also determined in various tissues of dams and foetuses. In all uranium-treated groups, the highest concentrations of this element were found in kidney and bone, being considerably higher than those in brain. Uranium levels in tissues of dam or foetuses were not significantly affected by restraint. No significant interactions between uranium and restraint could be observed in maternal toxicity. Moreover, no relevant effects of uranium, maternal restraint or their combination were noted on developmental landmarks in the offspring. In this article, there is an effort made to know the effect of Uranium on the pregnant rats and also its restraint stress. This article also deals with the effects on postnatal development and behaviour of the offspring.