Ovulation induction is associated with altered growth but with preservation of normal metabolic function in murine offspring.

Objective: To study the effects of ovulation induction on mouse postnatal health, with a focus on growth pattern and glucose tolerance. To study the effect of ovulation induction on DNA methylation, we took advantage of the agouti viable yellow (A) mouse.

Design: Animal study.

Setting: University Setting.

Animals: Agouti viable yellow (A) mice on a C57BL/6 background.

Intervention(s): A female mice were either allowed to mate spontaneously (control group, C) or after superovulation with 5 IU of PMSG and hCG (ovulation induction group, OI).

Main Outcome Measure(s): Birth parameters and postnatal growth of the offspring were followed up to 29 weeks of age. Body composition analysis was performed by EchoMRI; fasting insulin, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests, and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion by beta cells were assessed to study glucose metabolism.

Result(s): Mice born to superovulated dams had lower survival rates, shorter anogenital distances, and shorter crown-rump lengths. Female mice generated by OI weighed less at birth, whereas male mice generated by OI had lower weight gain and had reduced lean mass. Glucose parameters, including islet functions, did not differ between the groups. No difference in agouti coat color was noted between the groups.

Conclusion(s): Ovulation induction resulted in mice having increased morphometric differences at birth and male mice showing reduced weight gain but no difference in glucose tolerance or agouti coat color.