Effect of Predatory Stress Before Fertilization on Body Weight and Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Seizure in Rat Offspring

Spermatogenesis and oogenesis stress is a primary epigenetic element that can cause lifelong modifications in neural system functions. This study was designed to elucidate whether preconceptional stress during spermatogenesis and oogenesis affects the seizure behaviors and body weight of the offspring later in life.

In this experimental study, 16 male and 32 female adult rats were included. Half of the rats were subjected to predatory stress. Then, they were coupled as follows: both subjects were intact as the control group (MC-FC), both subjects were stressed (MS-FS), male control/female stressed (MC-FS), and male stressed/female control (MS-FC). The pups were weighed and assessed for pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures. In addition, aniline blue staining was performed to study the chromatin maturity of the sperm in male parents immediately after copulation.

The latency of the first seizure behavior significantly diminished in stressed pups, and the duration of focal and generalized seizures significantly increased in the stressed rats. In addition, the body weight of the pups decreased in the stress groups compared to control rats, and a significant decrease was detected in the chromatin maturity of sperms in stressed rats.

Stress during spermatogenesis and oogenesis can be critical for the general growth (body weight) and seizure susceptibility of the offspring. Therefore, to improve reproductive outcomes, stress-lowering interventions are better to be started before conception.