Abstract:
Objective: To evaluate the long-term plasticity changes induced
by neonatal corticosterone programming on adult metabolic
status and the deprogramming effect of melatonin. Methods:
Male and female Wistar rats were maintained under standard
conditions and when mated females delivered pups, neonates
of both sexes were separated and equal number of pups
was assigned to lactating mothers. Pups treated with saline,
corticosterone
or a combination of corticosterone and melatonin
from PND 2 to PND 14, were maintained until 120 days of age.
Various serum and tissue parameters pertaining to glycaemic
regulation, dyslipidemia, hepatic and renal distress and
oxidative
stress were analyzed in adult rats. Results: Neonatal
corticosterone exposure induced dyslipidemia, increased fed
and fasting glucose levels, insulin resistance, lipid peroxidation,
serum levels of insulin, corticosterone and hepatic and renal
dysfunction markers and decreased the levels of enzymatic and
non-enzymatic antioxidants, relatively more in males. Melatonin
proved as an effective deprogrammer of corticosterone induced
plasticity changes. Conclusions: Neonatal corticosterone
exposure induces long lasting effects on adult physiology and
metabolism. Concurrent treatment with melatonin effectively
deprograms the changes.
