抄録
The effect of a temporary dietary restriction (10 g/day) duirng gestation or lactation on the subsequent maturation of female offspring was examined. Mother rats were divided into 6 groups according to the period of restriction: namely, Group A (between days 0 and 7 of gestation), Group B (between days 8-14 of gestation), Group C (between days 15-21 of gestation), Group D (between days 1-7 of lactation), Groupt E (between days 8-14 of lactation), Group F (no restriction). In Group E, the mother's body weight decreased by 17% compared to that on day 0 of gestation. Female pups in this group showed retardation in growth rate concurrent with a delay in vaginal opening. No significant effects were found in any other groups. These results suggest that adequate nutrition during midlactation is critical for optimal growth of female pups and subsequent opening of the vagina.
