Teratogenic effect of retinoic acid in swiss mice.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the types of malformations resulting from the administration of retinoic acid (RA) to Swiss mice on different days of pregnancy.


METHODS
Twenty-four pregnant Swiss mice were divided into 4 groups of 6 animals each. The experimental groups received a single intraperitoneal injection of RA (70 mg/kg) on gestational days 7, 8 and 9 (D7, D8 and D9), while control animals (C) received only saline solution.


RESULTS
Were obtained: exencephaly (C:0; D7:16.1%; D8:25.4%; D9:0), myelomeningocele (C:0; D7:25.8%, D8:30.9%, D9:0), spina bifida occulta (C:0, D7:29%, D8:41.8%, D90), gastroschisis (C:0, D7:6.4% D8:5.4%, D9:0), omphalocele (C:0, D7:6.4%, D8:14.5%, D9:0), lower limb alterations (C:0, D7:74.1%, D8:80%, D9:0), imperforated anus (C:0, D7:100%, D8:100%, D9:100%), and tail agenesis/alteration (C: D7:100%, D8:100%, D9:100%).


CONCLUSIONS
The experimental model using Swiss mice proved to be efficient in the induction of the different types of defects, with the eighth gestational day being the one that most favored the induction of neural tube defect, omphalocele, gastroschisis, lower limb defects, imperforated anus and tail agenesis/alteration. On this basis, this is a useful model for future investigation of neural development and of the formation of the appendicular skeleton.
Quemelo
Paulo Roberto Veiga
PR
Experimental Pathology, FMRP, USP, São Paulo, Brazil.
Lourenço
Charles Marques
CM
Peres
Luiz Cesar
LC
D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / Q000196:embryology*; D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000196:embryology; D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000633:toxicity*; D005260:Female; D051379:Mice; D011247:Pregnancy; D014212:Tretinoin / Q000633:toxicity*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D014212:Tretinoin