Placental hypervascularization in a rat model. Data set
Description
This dataset provides the complete morphometric, biochemical, and histomorphometric data from a study investigating the placental adaptations to short-term, diet-induced maternal obesity in Wistar rats. The data documents the successful induction of an obese phenotype without metabolic syndrome and reveals a key, counterintuitive finding: compensatory hypervascularization of the placental labyrinth zone. The provided files include a spreadsheet with raw quantitative data and a collection of image files that visually represent the key findings and experimental results. This dataset is valuable for researchers in reproductive biology, developmental programming, and metabolism.
Files
Steps to reproduce
1. Experimental Design and Animal Model Animal Model: Eighteen adult female Wistar rats were used and divided into two groups: Control Group (CG, n=9): Received a standard diet (3.35 kcal/g). Experimental Group (EG, n=9): Fed a hypercaloric cafeteria diet (CD; 4.4 ± 1.01 kcal/g) composed of 17 ultra-processed foods. Dietary Intervention: The cafeteria diet was administered for an 8-week period to induce obesity. Gestational Day of Analysis: All analyses were performed on gestational day 16.5. 2. Methods and Protocols Morphometric Analysis: Weight Measurement: Body weight gain was precisely monitored. Abdominal Fat Quantification: Abdominal fat was quantified via tomography. Biochemical Analysis: Glycaemia (Blood Glucose): Measured to assess metabolic status. Lipids: Assessed to evaluate lipid profiles. Placental Analysis: Histology: Standard histological techniques were applied to examine placental tissue structure. Immunohistochemistry: Performed using specific markers to visualize and quantify vascular structures. Markers Used: Anti-CD31 (endothelial marker) and anti-α-actin (perivascular marker). Vascular Density Quantification: Vascular density in the labyrinth zone (the primary site of maternal-fetal exchange) was quantified. 3. Instruments, Reagents, Software, and Workflows Instruments: Tomography Equipment: Used for quantitative assessment of abdominal fat. (Specific model or brand not detailed in the provided text). Reagents: Diets: Standard diet and a specifically composed hypercaloric cafeteria diet (composed of 17 ultra-processed foods). Antibodies: Anti-CD31 and anti-α-actin for immunohistochemical staining. Other standard histological and biochemical reagents (not explicitly detailed). Software: ImageJ: Used for the quantification of vascular density in the placental labyrinth zone. Workflows: Experimental Workflow: Rats were assigned to diet groups, maintained on respective diets, and then subjected to pregnancy, with analyses conducted at a specific gestational time point. Analytical Workflow: Involved sequential steps of morphometric, biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical analyses, followed by image-based quantification and statistical evaluation. 4. Statistical Analysis Methods: Statistical comparisons were made using: t-tests: For comparing two groups (e.g., control vs. experimental). ANOVA (Analysis of Variance): For comparisons involving more than two groups or factors, if applicable (though the provided text primarily highlights t-tests for the main comparisons). Significance Level: A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Institutions
- Universidad del Valle