Vitamin E decreases valproic acid induced neural tube defects in mice

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of vitamin E on valproic acid (VPA) induced teratogenesis. Pregnant Balb mice were divided into six groups of 10-11 animals each. The mice in group 1 served as contro l and were injected with saline subcutaneously on day 8 of gestation, where as, animals in group 2 received a single injection of VPA (700 mg/kg (s.c.) ). Groups 3 and 4 received an oral administration of vitamin E in the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, respectively, 1 h before VPA injection. Group 5 and 6 were given vitamin E only, in the same doses as group 3 and 4. On day 18 of gestation, the mice were killed by cervical dislocation. Embryotoxicity was assessed by counting the number of implants, live and dead fetuses, res orptions, crown rump length and fetal body weight. The fetuses were observe d for malformations including neural tube defects (excencephaly), open eye lid and micrognathae. VPA administration resulted in a significant reductio n of the average live fetuses/litter, fetal weight and crown rump length an d a significant increase in malformations (excencephaly, open eye lid and m icrognathae). Concomitant administration of vitamin E significantly attenua ted VPA induced decrease in the fetal weight, crown rump length and malform ations. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.