Impact of Constant Light Exposure During Pregnancy on Skin of Neonatal New Zealand Rabbits: Structural and Ultrastructural Study

In 2021, a study involving 20 pregnant New Zealand rabbits investigated the effects of constant light exposure during pregnancy on the skin structure of neonatal rabbits. The study found that constant light exposure led to significant changes in the skin structure of newborn rabbits, including a decrease in the number of hair follicles and an increase in the thickness of the epidermis and dermis. Additionally, there was a decrease in the number of melanosomes and an increase in the number of keratohyalin granules. The study also found that maternal melatonin levels were significantly reduced in the constant light group, suggesting that a normal maternal circadian rhythm is crucial for the integrity of neonatal skin structure.