RESUMEN
Prenatal rat embryo exposure to retinoid induces some malformations in various organs, the most active and teratogenic metablolite is all-trans-retinoic acid [atRA]. The teratogenic effects of some drugs can be prevented by the application of antioxidant drugs and stimulation of the maternal immune system. Also, quercetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid has excellent antioxidant properties. Therefore, in this study, the prophylactic effect of quercetin on teratogenic effects of atRA was evaluated. In this experimental study, 40 pregnant rats were divided into 7 groups. Control group received normal saline and test groups received dimethylsulfoxide [DMSO], quercetin [75 mg/kg], quercetin [200 mg/kg], atRA [25 mg/kg], atRA [25 mg/kg] plus quercetin [75 mg/kg] and atRA [25 mg/kg] plus quercetin [200 mg/kg], intraperitoneally at 8-10th days of gestation. Fetuses were collected at 20th day of gestation and after determination of weight and length; they were stained by Alizarin red-Alcian blue method. Cleft palate, exencephaly and spina bifida incidence were 30.76, 61.53 and 30.76% range in group which received only atRA. Cleft palate, exencephaly and spina bifida incidence were 11.11, 16.66 and 5.55% in group which received atRA plus quercetin [75 mg/kg]. However, cleft palate, exencephaly and spina bifida incidence were 10.52, 10.52 and 0% in group which received atRA plus quercetin [200 mg/kg]. The means of weight and length of fetuses from rat that received atRA plus quercetin [75 mg/kg] were significantly greater than those received only atRA. It is concluded that quercetin decreased teratogenicity induced by atRA, but this subject needs more detailed evaluation