| dc.description.abstract | Intrauterine growth restriction or IUGR is the setback in development arising from restricted fetal growth during gestation. This restricted growth is identified by precursors not only at parturition, but additionally during the first stages of development within the uterus. This condition when deemed severe can be related to the crucial role of the placenta for fetal development. IUGR can result from placental abnormalities in modification and transport of nutrients and placental absorption (G.Pardi et al., 2002). Environmental factors of drinking alcohol or substance abuse, or lack of nutrition from the mother during pregnancy may potentiate IUGR. The lack of proper nutritional balance in mothers, from gestation to post parturition is commonly seen within developing countries, where post-partum children continue to lack adequate nutrition and activity. Past parturition, the developmental setbacks resulting from IUGR continue far beyond neonatal and adolescence into adult health complications such as heart disease. To define a spectrum of changes within the histological architecture of the placenta resulting from either nutrient restricted or adequate diets, unbiased stereology methods of data collection and assessment of the sheep placenta were performed. Uniform random sampling of the stereology placental tissue images was fixed on slides and measured to calculate the total surface area and surface density. The data collected was compiled to give the 3-dimensional image of the tissue, which allowed measurement and analysis of the histologic architecture of the placenta. The data in its entirety illustrated the results of a concentrated diet versus an adequate diet on the placenta. The mean value of total placental tissue surface area in high concentrated ewe diet was greater when compared to low concentrated diet (p< 0.05). The mean total surface area of low concentrated ewe diet was less when compared to control (p<0.005). There was no significant difference between mean total surface area in high concentrated diet and control (p>0.5). The data supports the direct connection between placental health and maternal nutrition. | |
