Effects of AlcoholAdministration During Pregnancy on Litter Size, Litter and Maternal Body Weights of Albino Rats
Abstract:Problems related to alcohol ranks among the global public health concerns. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of alcohol consumption during pregnancy on litter size, litter and maternal body weights. Twenty (20) female albino rats divided into five groups A – D (n=5) were used. Groups D served as pregnant control and received food and water only. Groups A, B, and C received 0.3g/kg, 0.8g/kg and 2g/kg body weight of ethanol respectively once daily via oral gavage until delivery. Litter sizes and birth weights were recorded on the days of birth. The pups were also examined for any overt physical abnormalities in comparison to those obtained from the pregnant control. The body weights of the treated and control rats before and at the end of the experiment were recorded. Results showed a statistically significant dose-dependent decrease in body weight gain of the rats in groups B and C when compared with the control. Marked reduction in litter size and birth weights were also observed after delivery especially in treatment groups B and C (p<0.05). In conclusion, the present study revealed that alcohol consumption in pregnancy may be associated with negative outcomes in pregnant rats and their litters.Keywords -Alcohol, pregnancy, albino rats, body weight, litter size, litter weights