Vitamin A induced teratogenicity of heart in albino mice

ABSTRACT

The current study was designed to determine in vivo the embryotoxic potential of retinoic acid during organogenic period of mouse embryo. Retinoic acid [60 mg/kg], was administered orally to pregnant mice on 7[th], 8[th] and 9[th] days of gestation. Animals were sacrificed on the 8[th] day. Fetuses, whose dams had received retinoic acid showed, growth retardation and cardiac malformations. The decrease in mean fetal weight and their CRL was statistically significant. Effects on the heart included enlargement and change in its shape; the myocardium showed myofibrillar disarray, apoptosis and hypoplastic compact zone. Retinoic acid, which is an effective therapy for cystic acne and other dermatological disorders, is highly teratogenic during the period of organogenesis and therefore, should be avoided in early pregnancy