Effect of early pre- and postnatal acquired malnutrition on development and sexual behavior in the rat

In this paper we attempt to elucidate the effects on the rat offspring of undernourishment during pregnancy and lactation on the following parameters were examined: weight at birth and its evolution over a three-month period, sexual behavior of adult males, vaginal opening and sexual cycle of females, blood sugar, blood proteins, hematocrit, natremia, potassemia, body weight and weight of testicles, seminal vesicles and adrenal glands in males 5 months of age. Our results indicate highly significant decreases in body weight in experimental animals over a period of three months. Vaginal opening in experimental females is significantly delayed and their estrous cycle is shortened. Male sexual behavior shows decreases in neuromotor activity and prolongation of the refractory period in experimental male animals. Of the parameters monitored at 5 months of age, only blood sugar levels were significant decreased in experimental male rats. In view of these results, it can be concluded that in utero and lactation period malnutrition affects fundamental parameters of both development and reproductive function in the offspring.