In utero exposure to selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor affects murine mandibular development

Antidepressants, specifically Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), that alter serotonin metabolism are currently the most commonly prescribed drugs for the treatment of depression. There is some evidence to suggest these drugs contribute to birth defects. As jaw development is often altered in craniofacial birth defects, the purpose of this study was to interrogate the effects of in utero SSRI exposure in a preclinical model of mandible development.

Wild-type C57BL6 mice were used to produce litters that were exposed in utero to an SSRI, Citalopram (500 μg/day). Murine mandibles from P15 pups were analysed for a change in shape and composition.

Analysis indicated an overall shape change with total mandibular length and ramus height being shorter in exposed pups as compared to controls. Histomorphometric analysis revealed that first molar length was longer in exposed pups while third molar length was shorter in exposed as compared to control. Histological investigation of molars and surrounding periodontium revealed no change in collagen content of the molar in exposed pups, some alteration in collagen composition in the periodontium, increased alkaline phosphatase in molars and periodontium and decreased mesenchymal cell marker presence in exposed mandibles.

The results of this study reveal SSRI exposure may interrupt mandible growth as well as overall dental maturation in a model of development giving insight into the expectation that children exposed to SSRIs may require orthodontic intervention.