Effect of diets devoid of one essential amino acid on pregnancy in rats maintained by ovarian steroids
Niiyama, Y.; Kishi, K.; Endo, S.; Inoue, G.
Journal of Nutrition 103(2): 207-212
1973
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-3166 PMID: 4684355 Document Number: 57630
The effects on pregnant rats of diets deficient in one essential amino acid was studied. The rats were given 0.5 mu g oestrone and 4 mg progesterone daily. Pregnancy was maintained with decrease in maternal bodyweight when each of the deficient diets was given. In rats deprived of amino acids growth of the uterus, placenta and foetuses and the increase in the amount of amniotic fluid were less than in pair-fed controls. The difference was greatest in groups deprived of methionine, valine, isoleucine or leucine and least in those deprived of lysine or tryptophan. In general, rats given quantitatively or qualitatively inadequate diets produced small foetuses. In valine or methionine deficiency, the viable litter size also decreased as a result of partial resorption of foetuses in the third week of gestation. Changes in the foetal weight and litter size in relation to hormonal balances are discussed briefly.