Morphological changes in the brachial enlargement of the spinal cord in offspring of diabetic rat

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of maternal diabetes on fetal spinal structure, especially in brachial enlargement. Sixteen adult female rats were divided into two groups. Diabetes was induced in one group by alloxan agent. Both groups became pregnant by natural matting. On days 7, 14, 21 and 28 after birth, the brachial enlargement of the spinal cord was collected from offspring of all rats and the weight of neonates was measured. Various histological parameters were determined using histological techniques. The results revealed a significant decrease in transverse spinal diameter and number of neurons of gray matter and an increase in vertical spinal diameter in spinal cord of offspring of diabetic mothers (ODM) as compared with the control group. The body weight of ODM was significantly more than that of the control group (P 0.05). Maternal hyperglycemia exhibited deleterious effects on spinal cord, especially brachial enlargement during fetal life which remained persistent during postneonatal period.