EFFECTS OF COCOA POWDER SUPPLEMENTATION IN THE METABOLISM AND THE TESTICLES OF WISTAR RATS SUBMITTED TO EARLY WEANING

To evaluate the effects of cocoa powder supplementation on body mass, metabolism and morphology of the testicles early weaned Wistar rats. Males were divided into four groups (n=6, each): Control Group (C) - animals with complete lactation (21 days post birth) and receiving commercial food (Nuvilab®) in postnatal life; Cocoa Control Group (CCa) - animals with complete lactation (21 days post birth) and receiving commercial food supplemented with 10% cocoa powder; Early Weaning Group (EW) - animals weaned on the 18th day of lactation and received commercial food in postnatal life; Early Weaning Cocoa Group (EWCa) - animals weaned on the 18th day of lactation and receiving commercial food supplemented with 10% cocoa powder. Food intake and body mass were evaluated daily and weekly, respectively. The animals were followed up until 90 days, at which time euthanasia occurred. In euthanasia, blood was collected, centrifuged and frozen for biochemical analysis; and the testicles were removed for histomorphometric analysis.