Publications

Abstract

The effect of protein restriction on fetal and placental growth was investigated. Pregnant rats were maintained on an isocaloric diet containing either 23% or 5% protein. The diet was imposed either from days 1-21 of gestation or from days 7-21 of gestation. Fetal body development was assessed. Fetal brain and placental growth were determined by both analysis of organ DNA, RNA and protein and differential radiochemical labelling procedures. Maternal protein restriction inhibited fetal growth. Brain weight was reduced due to a significant decrease in cellular content. Brain cell size was significantly increased and may have accounted for the reduction in cell concentration. Placental growth was similarly impaired. These data demonstrate impaired fetal and placental growth following decreased maternal dietary protein intake. Severity of growth retardation increased with the duration of malnutrition. The results also suggest that malnutrition may affect the rate of development, causing premature cessation of cell division and early cell differentiation.