Table 1.

Body weights in grams: Though no differences in body weight were noted at birth between groups (6.7 ± 0.1 grams, n = 60), the effect of Dex on weight gain was evident by day 5 and continued until d30 as both Dex and Dex + RA pups had significantly lower weights compared to saline controls. RA treatment alone did not affect weight. Values are expressed mean ± SE. *p < 0.05 vs. corresponding controls.

Treatment Group	Day 5	Day 10	Day 15	Day 30
Saline/Saline + CSO (n = 8–15)	12.9 ± 0.4	17.1 ± 0.4	31.4 ± 0.8	164 ± 7
Cottonseed oil (CSO) (n = 8–15)	13.2 ± 0.3	16.6 ± 0.6	29.1 ± 1.0	139 ± 13
Retinoic Acid (RA) (n = 8–15)	12.9 ± 0.3	16.8 ± 0.4	28.8 ± 0.8	150 ± 8
Dexamethasone (Dex) (n = 8–16)	11.4 ± 0.2*	15.0 ± 0.2*	25.8 ± 0.7*	126 ± 6*
Dex + RA(n = 7–14)	11.7 ± 0.2*	15.4 ± 0.3*	26.0 ± 0.9*	125 ± 10*