Maternal diabetes decreases the expression of GABA Aα1 , GABA B1, and mGlu2 receptors in the visual cortex of male rat neonates.

Aims: This study examines the impact of maternal diabetes on the expression of GABA _B1 , GABA _Aα1 , and mGlu2 receptors in the primary visual cortex layers of male rat newborns.
Main Methods: In diabetic group (Dia), diabetes was induced in adult female rats using an intraperitoneal dose of Streptozotocin (STZ) 65 (mg/kg). Diabetes was managed by daily subcutaneous injection of NPH insulin in insulin-treated diabetic group (Ins). Control group (Con) received normal saline intraperitoneally rather than STZ. Male offspring born to each group of female rats were euthanized via CO2 inhalation at P0, P7, and P14 days after delivery and the expression of GABA _B1 , GABA _Aα1 , and mGlu2 receptors in their primary visual cortex was determined using immunohistochemistry (IHC).
Key Findings: The expression of GABAB1, GABAAα1, and mGlu2 receptors increased gradually with age in the male offspring born to Con group while the highest expression was detected in layer IV of the primary visual cortex. In Dia group newborns, the expression of these receptors was significantly reduced in all layers of the primary visual cortex at every three days. Insulin treatment in diabetic mothers restored the expression of these receptors to normal levels in their newborns.
Significance: The study indicates that diabetes reduces the expression of GABAB1, GABAAα1, and mGlu2 receptors in the primary visual cortex of male offspring born to diabetic rats at P0, P7, and P14. However, insulin treatment can counteract these effects.
Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
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