<b>Growth and reproductive parameters of female Wistar rats under food restriction since birth</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v30i3.3623

Abstract

This work had the purpose of characterizing the development of female Wistar rats subjected to food restriction since birth, investigating some quantitative and functional changes resulting from this deficiency. Food restriction was imposed through duplication of the litter size (restriction group, 12 pups) relative to the control litter (control group, six pups) during lactation, and through reduction in 50% of the food supplied from weaning to 90 days of age. The female rats of the restriction group, when compared to the controls, had smaller linear and ponderal growth, lower organ weight and poorly developed abdominal fat deposits, and delayed vaginal opening. On the other hand, their growth continued during the 90-day period. After mating, the control female rats had large litters, while none of the rats from the restriction group got pregnant. It was concluded that food restriction during and after lactation interfered negatively on the body development of the rats, delayed the onset of puberty as indicated by the vaginal opening, impaired the growth of the internal organs and the storage of fat, and prevented conception.