The alterations in the lung of newborns of wistar albino rats exposed to nicotine during pregnancy and lactation periods and the effects of melatonin on these alterations

The aim of this study is to detect histological and biochemical changes in lungs of rats offspring exposed to nicotine during pregnancy and lactation, and to evaluate the protective effects of melatonin that is implemented during pregnancy and lactation on these changes.In this study, 22 female rats and 12 male Wistar albino rats which were obtained from Inonu University the Experimental Animal Production and Research Center were used. Female rats mated with male rats and, it was considered as embriyonik day 0 when the sperm was observed in vaginal smear. Pregnant rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: 1st group: Control, 2nd group: Physiological Serum (SF), 3rd Group: Ethyl Alcohol (EA), 4th group: Melatonin (MEL), 5th group: Nicotine (NT), 6th group: NT + MEL. Each group has been established by 10 rats offspring separately. At the end of the experiment, body weights of rats offspring (22 days old) were measured. Then they were sacrificed under ketamine and xylazine (5 mg/kg-50 mg / kg) anesthesia. The lungs of rats were taken and weighed. A portion of the lung was used for histological examination, and the other part of the lung was used for biochemical analysis.In conclusion, this study shows that maternal NT exposure during pregnancy and lactation causes significant structural changes on the lung development of pups, and MEL which is also known as an antioxidant has also ameliorated the lung injury caused by NT.