[Effects of iodine deficiency during intrauterine and early postnatal life on DNA synthesis in liver and brain of rats].

Iodine deficiency during intrauterine and early postnatal life of the rat produces a transient decrease in the DNA content of brain and cerebellum, which is spontaneously recovered without replacement therapy. Results of the study revealed that DNA synthesis measured through thymidine-H3 incorporation to DNA, was increased at 21 days of life in liver, brain and cerebellum, indicative of a higher activity of DNA synthesis. This prolongation of the critical period of brain cell multiplication in iodine deficient rats, suggests, therefore, an alteration of brain maturation.