Evaluation of cardiovascular and kidney functions of the offspring from rats subjected to sleep restriction during pregnancy

Abstract

The sleep restriction is associated with several changes such as: hypertension, decreased glycemic control and obesity. Considering that changes in maternal environment may result in changes in the offspring, the aim of this work is to study the impact of sleep restriction during pregnancy on cardiovascular and renal morphology and function of the offspring at adult age. It will be evaluated in male offspring the cardiac and renal morphology and kidney and cardiac baroreflex function. In female offspring, blood pressure and renal function will be evaluated. Female rats, 3 months old will be placed for matting. After confirmation of pregnancy, the rats will be divided into two experimental groups: C (control) and SR (submitted to sleep restriction between the 14th and 20th day of pregnancy). The sleep restriction will be performed by the method of multi-platform, for 20 hours daily. After birth, 6 offspring will be selected from each mother and designated as OC (offspring from C) and OSR (offspring from SR). Blood pressure (BP) will be measured by plethysmography at 3 months in male offspring, and then, cardiac baroreflex and renal function will be estimated. After functional evaluation kidneys and heart will be withdrawn to morphological analysis. To evaluate the participation of female hormones on the parameters studied, the female offspring of control or SR, at 2 months, will be divided into two subgroups and will undergo to oophorectomy or to sham surgery. In these groups the BP and renal function will be evaluated at 4 and 6 months of age. (AU)