Comparison of Apoptotic Index and Number of Pyramidal Cells of Offsprings’s Rat (Mus musculus) Brain Cells between Exposed and Non exposed Group to DH

Hermanto, Widjiati, Maksum 2006

Abstract
Aims: The main purpose of this experimental study was to compare the apoptotic index and number of the offspring’s Mus musculus brain pyramidal neurons between Intervention and non Intervention group to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) during pregnancy.

Methode: Experimental study, double blind randomized controlled study. Intervention group were given 20 mg DHA per oral, once daily, in the morning at the same time during early pregnancy until deliver the fetus. After delivery, for both groups, the offsprings were sacrificed by decapitation and the brain’s pyramidal cells were prepared by double staining with EMX 1 and TUNEL method to measure apoptotic index and number pyramidal neurons. The study conducted at Veterinary Hospital Airlangga University Surabaya after ethical clearence. Laboratory staining were done at Biomedic SOM Brawijaya University Malang.

Results: We found that the apoptotic index (2,15 ± 1,19) in Intervention group much lower than (6,77 ± 2,92) in control group. The number of pyramidal neurons (149,69 ± 34,53) in Intervention group much higher than (101,50 ± 26,14), in control group. According to statistical test the different were significant with p = 0,000. Another interesting finding was that the male offsprings had lower apoptotic index compare with the female rat

Conclusions: The apoptotic index of the Intervention group was significantly lower than non Intervention group and the number pyramidal neurons of the Intervention group was significantly increase compare with the non Intervention group.

Key Word: Mus musculus, pyramidal neuron, apoptotic index, DHA, pregnancy