Dual Effect of Melatonin in Fetal Brain: Structural and Cellular Implications in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction.

ABSTRACT: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a condition in which the fetus fails to reach its genetic growth potential, often resulting in neurodevelopmental alterations. This study investigates the neuroprotective potential of gestational melatonin (MEL) treatment using an IUGR rabbit model. IUGR was induced by ligating the uteroplacental vessels of one uterine horn in pregnant rabbits, using the other horn as the control (CNT). Dams received either placebo (PLA) or MEL from gestational day 25 to 30, when pups were delivered by cesarean section. We performed a functional evaluation, followed by placental histopathology, oligodendrocyte quantification, neuronal arborization, and DAB (3, 3'-diaminobenzidine) staining of MEL receptors in the brain. IUGR groups exhibited significantly lower bod

SUBMITTER: Guardia-Escote L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12559042 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature