Development of rat embryos cultured in serum from diabetic rats

Experimental studies carried out in vitro suggest a role of oxidative stress in diabetes-induced embryopathies. Glutathione is the main defense against free radicals in embryonic as it is in adult tissues. In this experiment, using postimplantation whole-embryo culture, we analyze: (1) the effects of serum from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats on embryonic development and on glutathione distribution between the yolk sac and embryonic tissues and (2) the role of glutathione in preventing embryopathies (using the inhibitor of glutathione synthesis buthionine sulfoximine). Our data show that in rat embryos cultured in diabetic serum, the only observed effects are at the yolk sac level. No effects on the glutathione content were observed. The addition of buthionine sulfoximine reduced the glutathione content and produced signs of developmental delay in embryos cultured in diabetic serum, suggesting a role of the oxidative stress in producing diabetes-related embryotoxicity.