Valproate enhances N-cadherin production in Xenopus embryos.
Xenopus embryos were exposed to valproate (0, 20, 40, 80 mg/l) either before or after neural tube closure. The embryos were then homogenized and fractionated by gel electrophoresis, and N-cadherin was detected and measured with quantitative immunoblotting. Findings indicated that valproate exposure increased N-cadherin production in a dose-dependent manner. Embryos exposed prior to neural tube closure tended to be more sensitive to the effects of valproate. These findings suggest that alterations in N-cadherin-mediated adhesion or morphogenesis may partially explain the teratogenic mechanism of valproate.
Briner
W
W
Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Kearney, Kearney, NE 68849, USA. brinerw@unk.edu
Papadopoulos
F C
FC
D000818:Animals; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015820:Cadherins / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004625:Embryo, Nonmammalian / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014981:Xenopus / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism*
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D015820:Cadherins; D014635:Valproic Acid