Alterations of the ovarian histomorphometry at pre-puberty in rat offspring from diabetic mothers.

Purpose: Maternal diabetes leads to increased blood glucose concentration in the mother and consequently in the foetus, causing various neonatal problems. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of maternal diabetes on foetal ovarian structure.

Methods: Sixteen adult female rats were allocated into two equal groups. Diabetes was induced in one group by alloxan. Both groups became pregnant by natural mating. Thirty days after birth, the female offspring were terminated, the body weight and blood glucose of the animals measured and their ovaries removed. Various histological and cellular parameters were determined using histological and electron microscopy techniques.

Results: Results revealed a significant increase in body weight and blood glucose in the offspring of the diabetic mothers (ODM) compared to that of the controls. The weight, volume and diameter of the ovary and the ovarian capsule thickness were inclined to decrease in ODM compared to that of controls. The number and diameter of primary, pre-antral and antral follicles were decreased in ovaries in the ODM. The electro-micrographs have demonstrated the organelle alterations in oocytes and granulosa cells that suggest the apoptosis progress and oxidative stress.

Conclusions: Maternal hyperglycaemia exhibited deleterious effects on the female reproductive system in the offspring.