Effects of administration of vitamin a to pregnant dams on the skin of the fetuses of albino mice

ABSTRACT

For differentiation and maintenance of epithelial cells in vitro and vivo wider the influence ofretinoic acid treatment, skin seems to be a major target organ for both the normal and patholo-gical states. The current study was conducted to evaluate the effects ofretinoic acid on fetal skin if given to albino mice during pregnancy. Twelve pregnant albino mice were divided into two groups of 6 each; the experimental group was given 60 mg/kg/day ofretinoic acid [RA] dissolved in o.iml of olive oil orally on 7, 8 and 9 day of gestation. Fetuses were delivered and dissected on 18[th] day of gestation; skin samples were removed and processed for microscopic study. Histological examination of fetal skin in RA treated group showed increased keratinocyte proliferation resulting in increased number of epidermal cell layers and increased epidermal thickness. It also inhibited the development of hair follicles which are seen in the form of rudimentary buds in the dermis. So its usage during pregnancy should be warranted. Given the essential role of retinoids in epidermal differentiation and their effectiveness in the treatment of several skin orders it is important to see its histological effects on skin