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Prenatal dexamethasone exposure and developmental programming of the ovary of the offspring: a structural study in
Nataša Risti1, Nataša Nestorovi2, Milica Manojlovi-Stojanoski2
1Institute for Biological Research 'Siniša Stankovic', National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia; and Corresponding author.
Abstract:
Overexposure to glucocorticoids during fetal development alters fetal organ growth and maturation patterns, which can result in adverse programming outcomes in adulthood. The aim of this study was to determine whether exposure to dexamethasone (Dx) during the fetal period programmed ovary development and function in infant (16-day-old) and peripubertal (38-day-old) female offspring. Pregnant Wistar rats were separated into control and Dx-treated (0.5mg kg-1) groups and were injected with Dx or an equivalent volume of vehicle on Days 16, 17 and 18 of gestation. Ovaries from 16- and 38-day-old female offspring were prepared for histological and stereological examination. The volume of the ovary and the number of primordial and primary follicles were significantly reduced in prenatally Dx-exposed infant and peripubertal female offspring compared with control offspring. The number of multilaminar follicles was decreased in infant female offspring. In peripubertal females, prenatal exposure to Dx increased the number of multilaminar and large follicles of all classes. Because vaginal opening did not occur up to Day 38 postpartum in the Dx-exposed offspring, the absence of ovulation and corpora lutea is confirmation that the onset of puberty had been delayed. We can conclude that overexposure to glucocorticoids early in life programs ovary development, which may affect fertility in adulthood.
Insights
Prenatal exposure to dexamethasone (Dx) in rats alters fetal ovary development, reducing follicle counts and delaying puberty. This early-life glucocorticoid exposure may impact future fertility in female offspring.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Developmental Programming
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Fetal exposure to glucocorticoids can disrupt organ development and lead to adverse outcomes.
- Understanding the long-term effects of prenatal glucocorticoid exposure on female reproductive health is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of prenatal dexamethasone (Dx) exposure on ovary development and function in infant and peripubertal female rats.
- To assess potential programming effects on ovarian follicle populations and pubertal onset.
Main Methods:
- Pregnant Wistar rats were administered dexamethasone (Dx) or vehicle on gestation days 16-18.
- Ovaries from 16-day-old (infant) and 38-day-old (peripubertal) female offspring were analyzed histologically and stereologically.
- Ovary volume, follicle counts, and indicators of puberty onset (vaginal opening, corpora lutea) were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Prenatal Dx exposure significantly reduced ovary volume and the number of primordial and primary follicles in both infant and peripubertal offspring.
- Infant offspring showed decreased multilaminar follicles, while peripubertal offspring exhibited increased multilaminar and large follicles.
- Delayed vaginal opening and absence of corpora lutea in Dx-exposed offspring indicated a delay in puberty onset.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal glucocorticoid overexposure programs ovary development, impacting follicle dynamics and delaying puberty.
- These developmental changes suggest potential long-term consequences for fertility in adulthood.
- Early-life glucocorticoid exposure represents a critical window for reproductive system programming.
