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Fluconazole induces teratogenic effects in the tunicate Phallusia mammillata

Silvia Groppelli1, Giuliana Zega, Maira Biggiogero

  • 1Department of Biology, University of Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy.

Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology
|July 26, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Fluconazole (FLUCO) causes developmental abnormalities and mortality in ascidian larvae. This antifungal drug is classified as teratogenic, potentially acting similarly to retinoic acid (RA).

Area of Science:

  • Developmental toxicology
  • Marine invertebrate models

Background:

  • Fluconazole (FLUCO) is an antifungal azole derivative.
  • Ascidians like Phallusia mammillata are valuable models for embryotoxicity studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the embryotoxic and teratogenic effects of Fluconazole (FLUCO) on Phallusia mammillata.
  • To investigate the potential pathogenic mechanisms of FLUCO in ascidian larvae.

Main Methods:

  • Embryotoxicity tests were conducted on Phallusia mammillata embryos.
  • Probit analysis was used to determine the Teratogenic Index (TI).
  • Phenotypic characterization of malformations in exposed larvae.

Main Results:

  • Fluconazole (FLUCO) exposure led to dose-dependent increases in malformations and lethality.
  • High Teratogenic Index (TI) classified FLUCO as a teratogenic compound for ascidians.
  • Larval malformations included trunk abnormalities, reduced sensory vesicle cavity, and failed neural differentiation, resembling retinoic acid (RA) effects.

Conclusions:

  • Fluconazole (FLUCO) exhibits significant teratogenic potential in ascidian embryos.
  • The observed anomalies suggest a potential shared pathogenic mechanism between FLUCO and retinoic acid (RA) in ascidian development.
  • Phallusia mammillata serves as a relevant model for assessing the developmental toxicity of pharmaceutical compounds.

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