MATERNAL PASSlVE SMOKING DURING PREGNANCY • AND FOETAL DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY "AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY"

Abstract

Tobacco smoke contains around 4000 substances, most of which are described as toxic Prenatal exposure of human fetus to tobacco smoke through maternal passive smoking has been epidemiologically linked to reduced birth weight, enhanced susceptibility to respiratory diseases and changes in immune system. However, no data exists indicating developmental toxicity of involuntary smoking i.e. passive smoking. Hence , the present study was conducted to evaluate toxic influence of side stream cigarette smoke on pregnancy outcome. One hundred and twenty pregnant Albino rats (230-300 g) were placed in 384000 cm3 glass chamber with two fans in the roof to provide unforced exchange of fresh air. The heads of 4 commercial filter brand cigarettes (15 mg tar, 1.5 mg nicotine) were fixed in the corners of the chamber and lightened. Experiments were performed with either 4 or 7 cigarettes per day (3 hours and 5 hours; respectively) . Exposure for smoke was either for one week , two weeks or throughout pregnancy. The interval between smoking of cigarettes was 30 minutes. Female rats were divided into control (10 rats) and 2 exposed groups; Group A (60 .rats) this group was furtherly divided into subgroups;A 1 ; 30 rats were exposed to S.S.C.S. 3 hours/day/ for 6 days/week d.uring pregnancy and subgroup A2 ; 30 rats were exposed to S.S.C.S. 5 hours/day for 6 day/week during pregnancy. Group B (60 rats) this group was also divided into sub-group B 1 :30 rats were exposed to S.S.C.S. 3 hours/day I 6days /week for one month before pregnancy