Effect of L-arginine on renal function and on blood pressure in the offspring of diabetic mothers

• Grant number: 05/02211-2
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: December 01, 2005
• End date: July 31, 2008
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - Physiology of Organs and Systems
• Principal Investigator: Frida Zaladek Gil
• Grantee: Frida Zaladek Gil
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Fetal growth impairment can occur in pregnancy complicated by diabetes. Although several studies have focused the effects of nutritional status on intrauterine development, few have been performed concerning the long-term impact of maternal diabetes on vascular and renal function in the offspring. In the present study, blood pressure profiles and renal function parameters will be investigated in the offspring of diabetic rats with or without oral L-arginine 2% supplementation . Female rats will be made diabetic throughout gestation with a single dose of streptozotocyn (STZ) 10 days before mating . Only animals with a glycemia above 250mg/dl will be considered. After weaning, the offspring (DO) have free access to food and water. Arterial pressure will be evaluated every 15 days, by tail plethysmography, from 2 months on. Functional and morphometric kidney studies will be performed in newborn, 3, 6 and 12-month-old male rats in DO and in controls, C. A group of DO rats will be supplemented with L-arginine. Vascular reactivity will be performed in mesenteric bed. (AU)