Enhanced nephrogenesis in offspring of water-restricted rat dams.

Abstract

Maternal water restriction (WR) may induce offspring plasma hypertonicity and enhanced vasopressin secretory responses. We determined effects of pregnancy WR on offspring body composition, renal morphology, and blood pressure. Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats (n = 21) were randomized to WR, pair-fed (PF), and control from embryo day (e) 10 to e21. Offspring body and organ weights and glomerular number and size were measured at birth and at 21 days of age. At 6 and 9 weeks, offspring blood pressure was determined. At 21 days of age, WR offspring glomerular number was increased (17%; P < .05), whereas PF glomerular number was lower (4%), compared with controls. Systolic blood pressures were elevated in both WR and PF at both 6 and 9 weeks. Pregnancy WR stimulates offspring nephrogenesis, suggesting an adaptive response to future dehydration. Programmed hypertension in WR and PF groups likely occurs via different mechanisms.