Introduction: Acrylamide (ACR) is an environmental pollutant that is present in surrounding environment and Western-style carbohydrate-rich foodstuff and tobacco smoke.
Aim of the Study: The aim of the study was to assess the potential histological changes in the lung of nascent rats as a consequence to maternal ACR administration and the possible protective role of ascorbic acid (ASA) in rat offspring.
Materials and Methods: Pregnant rats were randomly assigned into four groups, negative control group, ASA group (100 mg/kg/day), ACR group (10 mg/kg/day) and ACR+ASA group. Ten pups from each group were sacrificed. Biochemical, histological and morphometric techniques were used to determine the effect of ACR and ASA on lung development in the offspring on postnatal days (PND) 2 and 21.
Results: The results showed that ACR administration during gestational and lactation periods significantly increased the serum endocan and the lung malondialdehyde (MDA) but decreased the lung reduced glutathione (GSH) along with severe histopathological changes proved ultra-structurally. Morphometric results revealed significant increase thickness in interalveolar septa among ACR group. Concurrent administration of ASC with ACR during gestation period attenuated most of the cytoarchitecture alterations of the developing lungs.
Conclusion: Maternal administration of acrylamide resulted in harmful impact on the lung histological structure of rat's offspring through its oxidative stress and inflammatory mechanisms. Co-administration of ASA along with ACR can ameliorate this deleterious impact through its antioxidant and anti- inflammatory properties