A study of diclofenac-induced teratogenicity during organogenesis using a whole rat embryo culture model.
BACKGROUND
Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, commonly used by reproductive age women for the treatment of a variety of conditions. However, there is limited information regarding the teratogenic effects of this drug.


METHODS
The effect of diclofenac on the developing embryo during the critical period of organogenesis was investigated by using a whole rat embryo culture model. Embryos were exposed to various concentrations of diclofenac and scored for growth and differentiation at the end of the culture period.


RESULTS
Total developmental score and score for caudal neural tube, flexion and hindlimb were significantly lower in embryos exposed to high concentrations of diclofenac (7.5 and 15.0 microg/ml), but no difference in these parameters was observed when embryos were exposed to low concentration of diclofenac (1.5, 2.5 and 5.0 microg/ml). No significant differences in yolk sac diameter, crown-rump length and number of somites was found between embryos in the experimental and the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study has demonstrated that diclofenac exerts direct teratogenic effects on rat embryos. Until more is known about the effects of diclofenac (especially in moderate to high doses) in women of reproductive age, we suggest its use should be treated with caution.
Chan
L Y
LY
Department of Obstetric and Gynaecology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong. lyschan@netvigator.com
Chiu
P Y
PY
Siu
S S
SS
Lau
T K
TK
D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced; D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000196:embryology; D046508:Culture Techniques; D004008:Diclofenac / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000187:drug effects*; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D006614:Hindlimb / Q000187:drug effects / Q000196:embryology; D011247:Pregnancy; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D004008:Diclofenac