The water, DNA, collagen and noncollagen protein contents in embryos after maternal administration of a teratogenic dose of phenytoin.
The growth of developing A/J mouse embryos was studied after maternal administration of phenytoin (Dilantin), an anticonvulsant drug. Wet weight, dry weight, protein and DNA contents of the embryos were quantitated 24 h after drug administration. Collagen content was investigated because of its importance in cellular differentiation. The wet and dry weight of embryos from phenytoin-treated mothers were 52.3 and 57.5%, respectively, of that of embryos of control mothers. DNA and protein contents were also decreased in embryos from phenytoin-treated mothers. Collagen represented only 0.07% of the protein present in day 11 control embryos, but was increased 4.9-fold in embryos from phenytoin-treated mothers in comparison to controls. These results suggest that phenytoin reduces overall embryonic growth but stimulates collagen synthesis.
D000818:Animals; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism*; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism*; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D051379:Mice; D008805:Mice, Inbred A; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000633:toxicity*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D013723:Teratogens
D011506:Proteins; D013723:Teratogens; D010672:Phenytoin; D003094:Collagen; D004247:DNA