Histological, Immunofluorescence, and Biochemical Evaluation of the First 24-Hour Effects of Betamethasone on Fetal Lung Maturation: An Experimental Rat Study
Year: 2025
Type: preprint
Abstract: Objective: To examine the short-term (first 24 hours) effects of antenatal betamethasone on fetal lung maturation using an experimental rat model, including evaluation of histology, surfactant protein A1 (SP-A1) levels, and surfactant localization. Study Design: Nine pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to either a single-dose, double-dose, or control group. Cesarean sections were performed at 6, 12, and 24 hours after the intervention. Lung tissues were analyzed histologically with hematoxylin–eosin staining. Surfactant localization was evaluated by immunofluorescence, and SP-A1 levels in amniotic fluid were determined using ELISA. Statistical analyses included ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Results: There were no significant histological differences observed between groups at any time point. Surfactant protein expression detected by immunofluorescence was minimal and showed no meaningful variation between groups. SP-A1 levels did not differ significantly at 6, 12, or 24 hours (all p > 0.05). A non-significant trend toward higher SP-A1 levels was noted in the single-dose group at 6 hours. No differences were found between single- and double-dose regimens. Conclusion: Betamethasone did not significantly speed up fetal lung development within the first 24 hours in this animal model. These results indicate that the positive effects of antenatal corticosteroids may not appear immediately after administration, emphasizing the need for careful use in pregnancies at risk of delivery within 24 hours.
Authors: Burak Cakmak, Merve Acikel Elmas, Samed Ozer, Sezin Çevik, Serap Arbak, Alev Atis Aydin
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4413988951