| Abstrakt: |
During this study, an anti-tuberculosis drug, rifampicin was tested for its embryotoxicity in mice. For this purpose, different concentrations of the drug 0.00, 3.00, 6.00 and 12.00 µg/g B.W. were given orally to pregnant mothers on days 6-12 of the gestation repeatedly and fetuses were recovered on day 18 of gestation. Morphological studies of the fetuses showed abnormalities such as hemorrhage, hydrocephaly, microphthalmia, limb deformities (forelimb micromelia and hyperextension, drooping wrist, low set arm, hindlimb dysplasia), scoliosis, sacral hygroma, open eyelids and curly tail. Dose dependent intrauterine growth retardation was also observed. Morphometric studies indicated fetal body weight and CR length, head circumference, eye circumference, forelimb and hindlimb size and tail length had a significant (P<0.001) dose dependent reduction as compared to control fetuses. Histological defects included neural tube defects, pericardial hemorrhage and hepatic necrosis. By this study it is concluded that rifampicin is potential toxic to the developing mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
