Maternal Sleep Deprivation Alters Reproductive Capability of Male Offspring in Wistar Rats

Existing data suggest a negative correlation between maternal sleep deprivation and male offspring reproductive capability. However, there is dearth of information on the critical period of development during which reproductive organs may be programmed. Thirty pregnant rats were divided into six groups based on the Gestation Days (GD) during which they were sleep deprived as follows: GD 1-7 control, GD 1-7 sleep deprived, GD 8-14 control, GD 8-14 sleep deprived, GD 15-21 control and GD 15-21 sleep deprived. Sleep deprivation was induced using the Modified Multiple Platform Method. Morphometric indices of pups were measured at parturition. Testes descent and preputial separation were monitored. Fertility index was determined on Post Natal Week (PNW) 17. Reproductive organs were harvested at sacrifice on PNW 25. Organs were weighed on electronic scale; histology of the testes and epididymes was done; sperm profile was assessed by microscopy; FSH, LH and testosterone were measured using ELISA kits. Offspring of GD 15-21 sleep deprived dams had significantly reduced birth weight and increased crown-rump length. Crown-rump length in the GD 8-14 sleep deprived group was increased. Testes descent occurred later in the GD15-21 sleep deprived group. Sperm motility, sperm count and serum testosterone were reduced in the GD 15-21 sleep deprived group. Fertility index was 0% in the GD 15-21 sleep deprived group. The histology of the testes and epididymes of the GD 15-21 sleep deprived group offspring showed severe aberrations. These suggests that the critical period during which fetal male reproductive organ development is adversely affected by maternal sleep deprivation is GD 15-21.