Maternal antioxidants prevent β‐cell apoptosis and promote formation of dual hormone‐expressing endocrine cells in male offspring following fetal and neonatal nicotine exposure

BACKGROUND: Fetal and neonatal nicotine exposure causes β-cell oxidative stress and apoptosis in neonates, leading to adult-onset dysglycemia. The aim of the present study was to determine whether an antioxidant intervention could prevent nicotine-induced β-cell loss. METHODS: Nulliparous female Wistar rats received daily subcutaneous injections of either saline or nicotine bitartrate (1.0 mg/kg per day) for 2 weeks prior to mating until …