ABSTRACT
Carbamazepine [CBZ] is an antiepileptic drug that is used widely for the treatment of epileptic seizures. Neural tube defects [NTDs], growth retardation, and nail hypoplasia are the most common features of teratogenic effects of this drug. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of vitamin B6 on the developmental toxicity of CBZ on mice. Sixty BALB/c pregnant mice were divided into four experimental and two control groups. Two experimental groups received daily intraperitoneal [IP] of 30 mg/kg [I] or 60 mg/kg [II] of CBZ on gestational days [GD] 6 to 15. Two other experimental groups received daily IP injection of 30 mg/kg [III] or 60 mg/kg [IV] of CBZ with 10 mg/kg/day vitamin B6 by gavage 10 days prior to gestation and on GD 6 to 15. Two control groups received normal saline or Tween 20. Dams underwent Cesarean section on GD 18 and embryos were harvested. External/ macroscopic observation of fetuses was done by stereomicroscope and external examination for malformations was recorded. Data analyzed by ANOVA and X[2] test using SPSS software. The mean weight and crown-rump of the fetuses in both CBZ-treated experimental groups were significantly reduced compared with those of the control groups. Various malformations were detected such as brachygnathia, eye malformations, NTDs, vertebral deformity, brachydactyly and growth retardation. Vitamin B6 treatment significantly reduced various CBZ-induced malformations. This study showed that vitamin B6 has a preventive effect on the developmental toxicity of CBZ in mice that can be pursued further for clinical research