Discussion
These cellular and molecular alterations may account for the neurodevelopmental complications of IUGR and for the male susceptibility to worse neurologic outcomes.
Methods
A well-established rat model of bilateral uterine artery ligation at embryonic day 19.5 was used to induce IUGR.
Results
As compared with gender-matched controls, IUGR offspring have altered hippocampal neuronal, astrocytic, and immature oligodendrocytic composition in a subregion- and gender-specific manner at birth. In addition, IUGR hippocampi have altered receptor type- and gender-specific ErbB-R expression at birth and at weaning.