Objective: 

We investigated relationships between the complement system activation (CH50, AH50), a humoral system component CD19 lymphocytes and antioxidant status (GSH, GPX, GR) in ethanol-administered pregnant rats and their offsprings.

Methods: 

Twenty female Wistar rats (12 week old) were randomly allocated into a non-alcoholic pregnant (CP) and alcoholic pregnant groups (AP) (n=10 each). A 30% ethanol in water solution was administered 6 g/kg daily by gavage for 4 weeks before mating and then throughout the pregnancy. Blood samples were obtained at day 18 of pregnancy and also taken of the offspring (n=10 CPO, n= 10 APO) on the day lactation ceased (day 10). The flow cytometric method was used for determining CD19. Micro-plaque haemolytic determination method was used for CH50 and AH50. Antioxidant status was examined in liver, lymph node and spleen.

Results: 

Compared with CP, we obtained significant decreases in CH50 and significant increases AH50 in AP. The comparison between CPO and APO exh[inodot]b[inodot]ted no significant changes wh[inodot]le CH50 and AH50 increased significantly. CD19 showed a significant decrease in the CP and AP, and groups of CPO and APO displayed a considerable increase. GSH levels and GR enzyme activities decreased, whereas increased GPX activities were observed in liver, spleen, lymph node tissues in the AP than in the CP. In parallel with their offsprings, GSH levels and GR activities were decreased and GPX activity was increased in APO more than in CPO.

Conclusions: 

Our findings suggest that activation of the complement system may be associated with progression of ethanol-induced organ injury.