Growth and fertility rates in the offspring of pregnant rats treated with L-omega nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a nitric oxide inhibitor.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine neonatal growth, fertility, and blood pressure for offspring of pregnant rats following in utero exposure to L-omega nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME).

Study Design: Osmotic mini-pumps were inserted on day 14 of gestation during the index pregnancy to deliver L-NAME (50 mg/day/rat) or a placebo control continuously. Pup weights were obtained longitudinally until postnatal day 76.