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Fetal growth in rats treated with lapachol
André Carvalho Felício1, Cláudia Veiga Chang, Marcos Antônio Brandão
1Centro de Biologia da Reprodução, Universidade Federal, de Juiz de Fora, Brazil.
Contraception
|November 5, 2002
Summary
Lapachol, a potential therapeutic naphthoquinone, was tested in pregnant rats. While safe for mothers, lapachol caused fetal growth retardation when given during late pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Developmental Toxicology
- Teratology
Background:
- Lapachol, a naphthoquinone, exhibits therapeutic potential.
- Previous research indicated lapachol is safe during pre-implantation embryonic development.
- However, administration during organogenesis resulted in high fetal mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the fetotoxic effects of lapachol during the final stages of gestation (fetogenesis).
- To assess the impact of lapachol on maternal and fetal outcomes in Wistar rats.
Main Methods:
- Pregnant Wistar rats were divided into vehicle and lapachol (100 mg/kg) treatment groups.
- Lapachol was administered from day 17 to 20 of pregnancy.
- Maternal and fetal parameters, including body weight, food intake, mortality, fetal growth, and malformations, were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Lapachol administration did not cause maternal toxicity.
- A significant fetotoxic effect was observed, leading to fetal growth retardation.
- No external malformations were reported, but fetal weight was reduced.
Conclusions:
- Lapachol is fetotoxic during late pregnancy in Wistar rats, causing growth retardation.
- The therapeutic use of lapachol requires careful consideration of its potential risks during gestation.
- Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying lapachol-induced fetotoxicity.