Abstract
Background and aims: Foetal-to-neonatal transition exposes lung to a substantial increase in oxygen which may cause oxidative stress, and functional and structural damage. We hypothesized that foetal-to-neonatal transition in a lower oxygen atmosphere (14% instead of 21%) would enhance postnatal adaptation by preventing oxidative stress.
Methods: Pregnant mice were put in 14% FIO2 for 24hrs before delivery. The pups delivered in 14% FIO2 and one hour thereafter switched to 21% and sacrificed (Lowox group). Lungs, brain and intestine were retrieved for reduced (GSH) by GSH-transferase assay (Brigelius 1983) and oxidized (GSSG) by mass spectrometry. Pups born to mice delivering in 21% FIO2 served as controls (Normox group).
Results: Lung GSH content was significantly higher in the Lowox than in the Normox group at birth (2.88±0.24 vs. 2.28±0.23 mmol/g tissue; p< 0.05). Conversely, GSSG was lower in the Lowox group (Lowox vs. Normox: 0.015±0.004 vs. 0.116±0.004 mmol/ g tissue; p< 0.01). Hence, GSH/GSSG ratio the most relevant marker of intracellular redox status was significantly greater in the Lowox group. No differences were found for brain and gut tissue.
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[GSH/GSSG RATIO]
Conclusions: Foetal to neonatal transition in a low oxygen atmosphere enhances non-enzymatic antioxidant reserves thus helping postnatal adaptation to a higher oxygen exposure. This experimental model may be useful to study extremely preterm infants' adaptation to extrauterine life.
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Escobar, J., Cubells, E., Enomoto, M. et al. Foetal to Neonatal Transition in a Low Oxygen Atmosphere (14%) Enhances Lung Non-Enzymatic Antioxidant Defences in Newborn MICE. Pediatr Res 70 (Suppl 5), 62 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/pr.2011.287
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/pr.2011.287