Effects of gestational exposure to lead acetate on implantation and neonatal mice [Kurşun asetata gestasyonel maruz kali{dotless}mi{dotless}n gestasyona ve neonatal farelere etkisi]

Exposure to heavy metal lead acetate during pregnancy has been associated with adverse health consequence on both the mother and the offspring. the aim of the study was to evaluate the gestational and lactational exposure of lead acetate on implantation and on some neonatal parameters in mice. forty eight swiss albino mice divided into 8 groups of 6 mice each served as subjects for this study. mice in group 1 were dosed with distilled water (control),while those in groups 2,3 and 4 were exposed to lead at a dose of 266 mg/kg bw,532 mg/kg bw and 1064 mg/kg bw,respectively. mice in group 5 were dosed with vitamin c (166 mg/kg bw) while those in groups 6,7 and 8 were exposed to lead with vitamin c at a dose of 266 mg/kg bw +166 mg/kg bw,532 mg/kg bw +166 mg/kg bw and 1064 mg/kg bw+ 166 mg/kg bw,respectively. all the pregnant females were dosed between gestation day (gd) 10th - till parturition,gestation day 10th postnatal day (pnd) 21 and monitored for signs of toxicity and gestation length. at birth,the litter size and weight,and crown to rump length of the pups were measured. the pups were evaluated for physical characteristics and death. the dams were sacrificed at postnatal day 22,and the uterine horns evaluated for number of implantation sites. the results showed a significant decrease in the weight and body size in pups exposed to lead acetate in utero compared to the control. in addition,all the pups prenatally exposed to lead acetate were born weak and shows poor health status,show delay in physical development. a dose-dependent increase in percentage of postimplantation loss was observed in mice dosed with lead acetate. the administration of vitamin c along with lead not reverse the adverse effect of lead and its co- administration produce more adverse effects then lead. in conclusion,exposure of pregnant mice to lead caused postimplantation loss,decreased litter weight,survivability and body size.