Maternal Electronic Cigarette Inhalation Exposure During Gestation: Impacts on Prolactin and Xanthine Oxidase

Area of Science:

• Reproductive toxicology
• Developmental biology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Pregnancy involves critical metabolic and endocrine adjustments for fetal development.
• Adverse effects on maternal and fetal health can arise from disruptions in these physiological changes.
• Limited research exists on the impact of electronic cigarette (e-cig) exposure during gestation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of maternal e-cig aerosol exposure on hormonal balance, redox status, and fetal development in a rat model.
• To determine if e-cig exposure during pregnancy leads to adverse outcomes in dams and their fetuses.

Main Methods:

• Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to e-cig aerosols or filtered air from gestational day 10 to 19.
• Dam serum, liver, lung, ovaries, and placental tissues were collected on gestational day 20 for analysis.
• Fetal and placental mass, sex ratios, placental xanthine oxidase (XO) activity, and circulating prolactin (PRL) levels were assessed.

Main Results:

• E-cig exposure significantly decreased fetal and placental mass compared to controls.
• Placental xanthine oxidase (XO) activity was significantly elevated in the e-cig exposed group.
• Circulating prolactin (PRL) levels were significantly reduced in dams exposed to e-cig aerosols.

Conclusions:

• Maternal e-cig inhalation during gestation negatively impacts fetal growth.
• Increased placental XO activity and decreased PRL levels suggest potential redox and hormonal imbalances.
• These imbalances may contribute to reduced fetal growth and potentially affect long-term development.