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Fetal Exposure to Sertraline Hydrochloride Impairs Pancreatic β-Cell Development
Nicole E De Long1, Marie K Gutgesell, James J Petrik
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (N.E.D.L., M.K.G., A.C.H.), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8S 4K1; and Department of Biomedical Sciences (J.J.P.), University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1.
Insights
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants taken during pregnancy may impact fetal pancreatic development. Sertraline exposure in rats reduced pancreatic beta-cell area, raising concerns for long-term metabolic health.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used during pregnancy.
- SSRIs exposure in offspring is linked to low birth weight and increased risk of adult-onset diabetes due to altered pancreatic development.
- The specific effects of perinatal SSRI exposure on pancreatic development remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of fetal exposure to sertraline hydrochloride on pregnancy outcomes and pancreatic development in an animal model.
- To determine if perinatal sertraline exposure affects pancreatic beta-cell development and gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Wistar rats were administered either vehicle or sertraline hydrochloride (10 mg/kg/d) via subcutaneous injection from mating confirmation to parturition.
- Pregnancy outcomes and pancreatic development in offspring were assessed.
Main Results:
- Offspring born to sertraline-exposed dams showed no significant changes in birth weight.
- A notable reduction in pancreatic beta-cell area was observed in offspring exposed to sertraline.
- Altered gene expression regulating islet development and survival contributed to the observed changes in pancreatic islet development.
Conclusions:
- Fetal exposure to sertraline hydrochloride during pregnancy reduces pancreatic beta-cell capacity at birth in rats.
- These findings raise concerns about potential long-term metabolic consequences in individuals exposed to sertraline in utero.
- Further research is warranted to understand the full scope of SSRI effects on fetal development and long-term health outcomes.
Abstract:
Ten percent to 15% of women take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants during pregnancy. Offspring exposed to SSRIs are more likely to have low birth weight; this is associated with an increased risk of development of diabetes in adulthood in part due to altered pancreatic development. The effects of perinatal exposure to SSRIs on pancreatic development are unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of fetal exposure to sertraline hydrochloride on pregnancy outcomes and pancreatic development. Wistar rats were given vehicle (n = 5) or sertraline hydrochloride (10 mg/kg/d; n = 8) via daily subcutaneous injection from the confirmation of mating until parturition. Results from this animal model demonstrated that offspring born to sertraline-exposed dams have no changes in birth weight but had a reduction in pancreatic β-cell area. The altered pancreatic islet development was a result of altered gene expression regulating islet development and survival. Therefore, fetal exposure to sertraline reduces β-cell capacity at birth, raising concerns regarding the long-term metabolic sequelae of such exposures.
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