Effect of l-methionine pre-treatment on sodium valproate [depakine] toxicity induced fetal growth retardation and skeletal malformations

ABSTRACT

In this study, the effect of administration of L-methionine on fetal growthand skeletal malformations in Na valproate toxicity was examined. Navalproate were used in this study [200 mg and 600 mg/kg s.c.]. L-methioninewas given at a dose of 70 mg/kg i.p. 30 min. prior to each Na valproateadministration. All injections were given once per day from day 6 ofgestation up to day 21. The viability of the fetuses increased afteradministration of L- methionine particularly prior to 600 mg Na valproate. Moreover, administration of L-methionine improved the reduction in fetalweight and crown- rump length induced by the 2 toxic doses of Na valproate. The most common malformation of Na valproate was spina bifid. However, theincidence of spina bifid, absent mandibular angle and absent upper and lowerlimb ossific centers induced was significantly reduced whenever L- methioninewas administered before each valproate administration