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Circadian Disruption Impacts Fetal Development in Mice Using High-Frequency Ultrasound
Samantha M Britz1, Shay Nelson1, Kylie M Earhart2
1WWAMI Medical Education, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, US.
Journal of Circadian Rhythms
|December 23, 2024
Summary
Shift work disrupts circadian rhythms, impacting fetal development. Our study found that circadian disruption in pregnant mice altered placental and fetal organ development, suggesting risks to embryonic health.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Chronobiology
- Reproductive Science
Background:
- The developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) theory links early-life exposures to later-life health.
- Circadian rhythm disruption, common in shift work, negatively affects physiological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of circadian disruption on embryonic and fetal development in mice.
- To assess key developmental parameters using high-frequency ultrasound.
Main Methods:
- Pregnant mice were exposed to a disrupted light-dark cycle (7-hour shift) or a normal 12/12 cycle.
- High-frequency ultrasound was used to measure embryonic and fetal parameters at E14.5-18.5.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were observed in placental length (p = 0.00016) and thickness (p = 0.0332).
- Fetal stomach diameter also showed significant alterations (p = 0.0186).
Conclusions:
- Circadian disruption in pregnant dams, simulating shift work, adversely affects prenatal development.
- Specific organ development, including the placenta and fetal stomach, is altered in utero.
