Key Findings
Studies have been shown that intrauterine and postnatal nutrition can influence chronic disease occurrence in adults. Considering that n-3 acids are incorporated early by the CNS, being necessary for visual acuity and adequate brain development, this work aimed to evaluate the influence of a diet based on flaxseed upon the development of the nervous system, more specifically, the optic nerve and retina. The results found in the retina and optic nerve morphology and histomorphometry indicate n-3 fatty acid incorporation from the flaxseed diet, as well as from breast milk and placental circulation in these structures of the nervous system.
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to evaluate the influence of a diet based on flaxseed upon the development of the nervous system, more specifically, the optic nerve and retina. Rats were divided into three groups: Control (CG), Flaxseed (FG), and Modified Control (MCG). The analyses were performed in the offspring (n = 6/group) at the immediate postnatal period (P0), 14 d of life (P14) and 30 d of life (P30). Descriptive analysis and histomorphometry of optic nerve and retina were performed. There was a great evolution in the development of the nervous fascicles, connective trabeculae, and blood vessels, when comparing the three ages studied, and these characteristics were more evident in FG at all three ages. The P0, P14, and P30 retina showed similar morphology to that described in the literature. In histomorphometry, at P14, the FG presented the retina and its layers with significant increase in thickness, except for internal granular and ganglionar, whereas MCG had greater retina and photoreceptor layers thickness, inner plexiform and external granular when compared with CG (p < .05). The use of flaxseed in the pre-and postnatal period displays favourable influence on the development of rat optic nerve and retina, probably leading to myelination.
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