GROSS HEPATIC CHANGES IN DEVELOPING ALBINO RATS EXPOSED TO VALPROIC ACID

Authors

  • Muhammad Khan
  • Sania Tanweer Khattak
  • Maqbool Elahi

Abstract

Background: Valproid Acid (VPA) is a broad spectrum antiepileptic drug. Its use during pregnancyhas been associated with congenital anomalies and hepatotoxicity. This study was designed to assessthe effects of VPA on the gross structure of liver in developing albino rats exposed to the drug duringvarious trimesters of pregnancy. Methods: In this experimental study 40 pregnant rats were dividedinto 4 equal groups A, B, C and D. Group A received VPA in a dose of 500 mg/Kg/day intraperitonealy(I/P) on days 3, 4 and 5 of gestation. Group B received the drug in a dose of 500 mg/Kg/day I/P on days8, 9 and 10 of gestation. Group C received VPA in a dose of 500 mg/Kg/day I/P on days 16, 17 and 18of gestation. Group D received no treatment and was kept as a control group. On day 21, the rats wereeuthanised by cervical dislocation. The liver of the foetuses were dissected out for the assessment oftheir gross structure. Results: Foetal liver of the experimental groups showed significant decrease inweight as well as relative tissue weight index (RTWI) as compared to the control group, although thegross appearance of the foetal liver was normal in all the groups. Conclusion: The use of VPA duringvarious trimesters of pregnancy produces hepatotoxicity in the developing rats. So, the use of this drugduring pregnancy should be carefully decided.Keywords: Valproic acid, Developing albino rats, Hepatotoxicity

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Published

2011-06-01