EFFECT OF CIGARETTE-SMOKE INHALATION DURING PREGNANCY IN SPRAGUE-DAWLEY RATS

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 4  (5-6) , 141-152
Abstract
Pregnant 9 wk old Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to the smoke of different research cigarettes (C1-C7). The cigarettes were different in smoke nicotine, condensate and CO. The animals were divided into groups inhaling different smoke concentrations, numbers of inhalations per day and time periods per pregnancy. CO and CO2 content in the inhalation chamber increased dependent on time and concentration of smoke inhalation. Both parameters were highest after inhalation of smoke from cigarette C2. Weight of pregnant rats was reduced after inhalation of high concentrations of smoke from cigarettes C1 and C2. Weight and length of fetuses were reduced dependent on number and duration of smoke inhalation. High concentrations of cigarette smoke, twice daily for 21 days were more effective than smoke inhalation in the 2nd part of the pregnancy. Inhalation of cigarette smoke during the 2nd half of the pregnancy was more effective than smoke inhalation in the first 10 days of pregnancy. Cigarette C1 reduced the length and weight of fetuses more than cigarette C2 when concentration and number of inhalations per day were the same. The vapor phase in both cigarettes was not as effective as total smoke. Resorptions and stillbirths were independent of treatment. Malformations were diagnosed only in 1 fetus.