Volume 68, Issue 10 (5 2011)
Tehran Univ Med J 2011, 68(10): 578-582 |
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N T, A B, E S, V N. The teratogenic effects of alprazolam intake on rat fetus. Tehran Univ Med J 2011; 68 (10) :578-582
URL: http://tumj.tums.ac.ir/article-1-301-en.html
URL: http://tumj.tums.ac.ir/article-1-301-en.html
1- , bakhtiar@sina.tums.ac.ir
Abstract: (8059 Views)
Background: Alprazolam belongs to benzodiazepine family and is increasingly used these days
by pregnant women. It should be noticed that alprazolam exposure during
pregnancy may have teratogenic effects on the fetus. Till now, limited studies
have been conducted on the teratogenic effect of alprazolam. In this study,
teratogenicity of alprazolam intake during pregnancy and its effects on fetus
development was investigated.
Methods: About 20 virgin rats of known age and weight were selected. After being pregnant, they were divided into four groups which contained five animals in each group: Negative and positive control groups. The case group exposed to 1 to 6 mg/kg/day alprazolam. The fetuses were first studied macroscopically regarding anomalies, and then histologically and histochemically to inspect the defects of tissue organogenesis.
Results: Our results show that there was significant difference especially at the dose 6 mg/kg weight and length of the cases compared to the control group. It appeared that at the dose of 6 mg/kg/day, cleft lip and palates were seen in the animals. The highest anomalies of limbs were also seen at the dose of 6 mg/kg/day. The statistical results indicate that alprazolam intake during the second half of pregnancy can lead to irreversible anomalies.
Conclusion: Our results indicate that alprazolam in doses higher than 4 mg/kg/day might cause teratogenic effect. It seems that benzodiazepine therapy among pregnant woman would be better to avoid during the first trimester and multidrug regimens.
Methods: About 20 virgin rats of known age and weight were selected. After being pregnant, they were divided into four groups which contained five animals in each group: Negative and positive control groups. The case group exposed to 1 to 6 mg/kg/day alprazolam. The fetuses were first studied macroscopically regarding anomalies, and then histologically and histochemically to inspect the defects of tissue organogenesis.
Results: Our results show that there was significant difference especially at the dose 6 mg/kg weight and length of the cases compared to the control group. It appeared that at the dose of 6 mg/kg/day, cleft lip and palates were seen in the animals. The highest anomalies of limbs were also seen at the dose of 6 mg/kg/day. The statistical results indicate that alprazolam intake during the second half of pregnancy can lead to irreversible anomalies.
Conclusion: Our results indicate that alprazolam in doses higher than 4 mg/kg/day might cause teratogenic effect. It seems that benzodiazepine therapy among pregnant woman would be better to avoid during the first trimester and multidrug regimens.
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