ObjectiveTo observe the neurodevelopment and the state of oxidative stress in the brain tissue of immature rats with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). MethodsThe IUGR rat model was established by uterine artery ligation on pregnant rats, using pregnant rats in sham operation group as control. By measuring the weight, body length, tail length, head circumference and anogenital distance of IUGR immature rats after birth to evaluate their physical development. The status of neurodevelopment of IUGR immature rats was evaluated by surface righting test, cliff avoidance test, negative geotaxis test and forelimb grip strength test. Through testing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and ability to inhibit hydroxyl radical in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum of IUGR immature rats to evaluate their state of oxidative stress in the brain tissue. ResultsAs compared with the control group, the immature rats in the IUGR group obtained smaller weight, body length, tail length, head circumference and anogenital distance at birth, whereas longer surface righting reflex, cliff avoidance, and negative geotaxis time, while shorter time of forelimb grip strength, with statistically significant differences (P ＜0.05). The immature rats in the IUGR group obtained lower SOD activity, ability to inhibit hydroxyl radical in the homogenate of the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum, whereas a higher level of MDA in comparison with the control group, with statistically significant differences (P＜0.05). ConclusionThe neurodevelopment of IUGR immature rats significantly delays, and the degree of oxidative stress in the brain tissue significantly increases.

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