open access

Vol 44, No 3 (2006)
Original paper
Submitted: 2011-12-19
Published online: 2006-09-19
Get Citation

Morphometric and functional abnormalities of kidneys in the progeny of mice fed chocolate during pregnancy and lactation.

Janusz Patera, Joanna Chorostowska-Wynimko, Janina Słodkowska, Adamina Borowska, Piotr Skopiński, Ewa Sommer, Aleksander Wasiutyński, Ewa Skopińska-Rózewska
Folia Histochem Cytobiol 2006;44(3):207-211.

open access

Vol 44, No 3 (2006)
ORIGINAL PAPERS
Submitted: 2011-12-19
Published online: 2006-09-19

Abstract

Even most commonly consumed beverages like tea, coffee, chocolate and cocoa contain methylxanthines, biogenic amines and polyphenols, among them catechins, that exhibit significant biological activity and might profoundly affect the organism homeostasis. We have previously shown that 400 mg of bitter chocolate or 6 mg of theobromine added to the daily diet of pregnant and afterwards lactating mice affected embryonic angiogenesis and caused bone mineralization disturbances as well as limb shortening in 4-weeks old offspring. The aim of the present study was the morphometric and functional evaluation of kidneys in the 4-weeks old progeny mice fed according to the protocol mentioned above. Progeny from the mice fed chocolate presented considerable morphometric abnormalities in the kidney structure, with the lower number of glomeruli per mm2 and their increased diameter. Moreover, higher serum creatinine concentration was observed in that group of offspring. No morphometric or functional irregularities were found in the progeny of mice fed theobromine. Abnormalities demonstrated in the offspring of mice fed chocolate are not related to its theobromine content. Consequently, identification of active compound(s) responsible for the observed effects is of vital importance.

Abstract

Even most commonly consumed beverages like tea, coffee, chocolate and cocoa contain methylxanthines, biogenic amines and polyphenols, among them catechins, that exhibit significant biological activity and might profoundly affect the organism homeostasis. We have previously shown that 400 mg of bitter chocolate or 6 mg of theobromine added to the daily diet of pregnant and afterwards lactating mice affected embryonic angiogenesis and caused bone mineralization disturbances as well as limb shortening in 4-weeks old offspring. The aim of the present study was the morphometric and functional evaluation of kidneys in the 4-weeks old progeny mice fed according to the protocol mentioned above. Progeny from the mice fed chocolate presented considerable morphometric abnormalities in the kidney structure, with the lower number of glomeruli per mm2 and their increased diameter. Moreover, higher serum creatinine concentration was observed in that group of offspring. No morphometric or functional irregularities were found in the progeny of mice fed theobromine. Abnormalities demonstrated in the offspring of mice fed chocolate are not related to its theobromine content. Consequently, identification of active compound(s) responsible for the observed effects is of vital importance.
Get Citation
About this article
Title

Morphometric and functional abnormalities of kidneys in the progeny of mice fed chocolate during pregnancy and lactation.

Journal

Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica

Issue

Vol 44, No 3 (2006)

Article type

Original paper

Pages

207-211

Published online

2006-09-19

Page views

1470

Article views/downloads

1149

Bibliographic record

Folia Histochem Cytobiol 2006;44(3):207-211.

Authors

Janusz Patera
Joanna Chorostowska-Wynimko
Janina Słodkowska
Adamina Borowska
Piotr Skopiński
Ewa Sommer
Aleksander Wasiutyński
Ewa Skopińska-Rózewska

Regulations

Important: This website uses cookies. More >>

The cookies allow us to identify your computer and find out details about your last visit. They remembering whether you've visited the site before, so that you remain logged in - or to help us work out how many new website visitors we get each month. Most internet browsers accept cookies automatically, but you can change the settings of your browser to erase cookies or prevent automatic acceptance if you prefer.

By VM Media Group sp z o.o., ul. Świętokrzyska 73, 80–180 Gdańsk

tel.:+48 58 320 94 94, faks:+48 58 320 94 60, e-mail:  viamedica@viamedica.pl