The effect of water with modified isotope (D/H) composition on the reproductive function and postnatal development in rats

Reproductive parameters and postnatal progeny development were evaluated in 4 generations of Wistar rats treated with deuterium depleted water (DDW): parental (F0), first (F1), second (F2) and third (F3). The experiment was carried out on 2 groups of animals: experimental group consumed DDW (50 ppm) and control group consumed purified tap water (150 ppm). Experiment was consist of a preparatory stage, the stage of studying the F0, F1, F2 reproductive parameters and F1, F2, F3 postnatal progeny development Reproductive parameters was assessed by F0, F1, F2 fertility index and F1, F2, F3 offspring viability and development. Fertility index was assessed as the male's ability to fertilize females in the percentage of pregnant females/fertilized males to the total number females and males placed together for mating. Offspring maturing were evaluated by pups viability, development of physical and sexual parameters, emotional and locomotors reflexes within the 1st month of life. Group 1 fertility index in F0 females was 100%, in F1 and F2 females - 99%, in males all generations - 89-100%. Group 1 F1, F2 and F3 offspring viability was high. Number of pups in group 1 F2 offspring was higher by 20% than in group 2. Pups of the 1st group F1, F2 and F3 were less intensively gained weight from the 1st to the 21st day of life compared with group 2, the final weight of the animals in group 1 was higher than in group 2 by 4-6% from 25th to 30th days of life. Assessment of physical parameters development as well as emotional and locomotors reflexes formation did not reveal any difference between group 1 and group 2 F1, F2 and F3 offspring. Obtained results confirmed that DDW did not effect on rat fertility, viability and development of offspring.