Epididymis growth factors analysis in rats whose mothers were submitted to protein restriction during gestation and lactation

Abstract

The environment plays a crucial role during fetal development and it influences the health of the offspring. Thus, maternal nutritional status is important for the health and well-being of the fetus and it may alter the mother's ability to provide the fetus the nutrients needed for proper growth. Insufficient protein intake among a large part of the human population, for cultural or economic reasons, is a global concern. Sperm alterations related to epididymal function have already been observed in adult animals whose mothers have been restricted by protein. However, there is no information to clarify how the protein restriction influences the function and development of the epididymis, an androgen-dependent organ and fundamental for sperm maturation and fertility. Thus, the aim of this project is to evaluate the impact of maternal protein restriction on epididymal growth factors. So, for this study will be used pregnant rats - divided into two groups: Groups normo protein and hypoprotean, which will be formed by animals with 7, 14 and 21 days (N = 10 per group). The epididymis will be dissected, removed and processed according to the histological, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting techniques for VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), and its receptor (VGFR), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR) and transforming growth factor (TGF-²). In addition, morphometric analyzes of the epididymis will be performed.