Maternal low sodium intake and early postnatal diuretics program metabolic and ventilatory dysfunction in mice

Area of Science:

• Perinatal physiology
• Developmental programming
• Neonatal metabolism

Background:

• Sodium homeostasis is critical for cellular and organ function.
• Disruptions in perinatal sodium balance can impact growth, metabolism, and pulmonary function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the long-term effects of perinatal sodium homeostasis disruption on growth, body composition, metabolism, and pulmonary function in mice.
• To determine the impact of maternal low sodium diet and furosemide administration on offspring development.

Main Methods:

• Two mouse models were used: maternal low sodium diet (0.04% Na) from E18-P21, and offspring furosemide administration (30 mg/kg) on P10-P13.
• Offspring weight, body composition, total energy expenditure, and ventilatory function were assessed.
• Lung structure was analyzed in adulthood.

Main Results:

• Maternal low sodium diet led to decreased offspring weight gain and increased energy expenditure.
• Furosemide administration increased weight, fat mass, and fat-free mass in male offspring.
• No significant changes in lung structure or breathing were observed in either model, though furosemide decreased minute ventilation and tidal volume in males.

Conclusions:

• Perinatal sodium homeostasis is crucial for long-term growth, metabolism, and pulmonary function.
• Early life sodium balance is essential for proper organ development and function.
• Optimizing sodium homeostasis during early life may improve outcomes for preterm infants.