Effects of pseudoephedrine on rat fetal bone development: evaluation by three different methods

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Developmental Biology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Pseudoephedrine (PSE) is a widely used decongestant found in many cold medications.
• Pregnant women frequently use PSE for cold and cough symptoms, often in combination with other drugs.
• Concerns exist regarding the safety of PSE exposure during pregnancy due to its common use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of maternal PSE administration on the skeletal development of rat fetuses.
• To determine if PSE exposure during gestation impacts long bone ossification and fetal growth parameters.
• To assess the dose-dependent relationship between PSE exposure and adverse skeletal outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Pregnant rats were administered varying doses of PSE (25-200 mg/kg) via gavage from day 1 to 20 of gestation.
• Fetal parameters including weight and height were measured after cesarean delivery on day 21.
• Femur and humerus ossification were evaluated using three distinct methods, and bone calcium content was analyzed using SEM-EDX.

Main Results:

• Maternal PSE administration resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in fetal weight, height, and long bone length.
• Ossification rates of the femur and humerus were significantly reduced with increasing PSE dosage.
• SEM-EDX analysis revealed a decrease in bone tissue calcium content in fetuses exposed to PSE.

Conclusions:

• Maternal PSE use during pregnancy adversely affects fetal long bone development in rats.
• The observed negative effects on skeletal growth and ossification are dose-dependent.
• PSE exposure during gestation disrupts the delicate balance of bone development, highlighting potential risks.