DNA Damage in Placental and Fetal Cells in Rats with Perinatal Immune Activation

Nuclear and mitochondrial DNA damage in placental and fetal cells of rats was evaluated in a LPS-induced model of perinatal immune activation. Six hours after a single administration of LPS (0.2 mg/kg), an increase in nuclear DNA damage was observed in both placental and fetal cells. The most pronounced changes were detected in the fetal head region. After 24 h, damage to nuclear DNA was detected in placental cells and the trunk of the fetuses. High variability of this parameter was observed between the placental and fetal samples from the same animal and between different animals. No increase in nuclear DNA damage was revealed 3 h after LPS treatment. Mitochondrial DNA damage in the studied cells was detected after a 6-h exposure to LPS.