Objective: To observe the pathological changes of fetal rat brain cells caused by transient intrauterine ischemia in pregnant rats.
Methods: The uterine arteries of the pregnant rats at 17 days of gestation were clamped for 30 min in the experimental group, the samples were collected 24, 48 and 72 hours respectively after the clamping of artery, respectively. In control group, the pregnant rat's abdomens were cut open and closed but the uterine arteries were kept intact; the samples were collected 24, 48 and 72 hours after the sham operation, respectively. The pathological changes of brain tissues were observed under light microscope by HE, Nissl, cholinesterase staining, sequential TUNEL technique, and by electron microscopy as well.
Results: The edema, degeneration of neural cells and the hemorrhage of brain were observed in experimental group. The Nissl bodies and the activity of cholinesterase decreased. The apoptosis cells appeared 24 hours after hypoxia-ischemia injury and increased progressively with time.
Conclusion: Uterine hypoxia and ischemia can cause severe damage to neural cells of fetal rat.