EFFECTS OF METHAMPHETAMINE ON RAT EMBRYOS CULTURED IN-VITRO

Wistar rat embryos were explanted on day 10.5 of gestation and exposed in vitro to methamphetamine (MAMP)at a concentration of 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 , 0.6, or 0.8 mM for 24 h, and the direct teratogenic effects of the d rug on rat embryos were examined. The viability of cultured embryos wa s not affected by the MAMP treatment. The yolk sac diameter was reduce d at MAMP concentrations of 0.6 and 0.8 mM. The crown-rump length and the somite number of the embryos decreased significantly and dependent ly on the MAMP concentrations at 0.4-0.8 mM. The protein content was a lso significantly reduced at 0.4-0.8 mM. The developmental score was d ecreased in a concentration-dependent manner. The frequency of malform ed embryos significantly increased at 0.6 and 0.8 mM. The malformation s induced in treated embryos included microcephaly, neural tube defect s, incomplete rotation of the body axis, and tortuous spinal cord. Abn ormal histological changes such as derangement and necrosis in the neu roepithelial tissue were observed in embryos exposed to high concentra tions of the drug. Our results revealed the direct embryotoxic and ter atogenic effects of MAMP in the rat.