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[Observation of micrognathic development in mouse fetus induced by sulfadimethoxine]

A Kitamura1

  • 1Department of Maxillo-Facial Orthognatics, Graduate School of Dentistry, Tokyo Medical and Dental University.

Insights

Sulfadimethoxine (SDM) exposure in pregnant mice causes micrognathia in fetuses. SDM disrupts Meckel

Area of Science:

  • Developmental biology
  • Teratology
  • Pharmacology

Context:

  • Sulfadimethoxine (SDM) is a sulfonamide antibiotic.
  • Mandibular hypoplasia and micrognathia are congenital conditions affecting jaw development.
  • Understanding drug-induced developmental abnormalities is crucial for prenatal safety.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the teratogenic effects of Sulfadimethoxine (SDM) on fetal mandibular development.
  • To determine the critical period of SDM exposure for inducing micrognathia in mouse fetuses.
  • To elucidate the specific cartilaginous changes responsible for SDM-induced mandibular dysmorphogenesis.

Summary:

  • Pregnant ICR mice were administered 3,000 mg/kg SDM orally from gestation day 8 to 13.
  • Micrognathia incidence was highest with SDM exposure on gestation day 10.
  • Histomorphological analysis revealed bilateral sigmoid buckling and shortening of Meckel's cartilage, leading to mandibular dysmorphogenesis, while nasal septal and capsular cartilage were less affected.

Impact:

  • This study identifies SDM as a potent teratogen causing micrognathia via disruption of Meckel's cartilage development.
  • The findings highlight the sensitivity of mandibular development to SDM exposure during specific gestational periods.
  • Provides insights into the mechanisms of drug-induced craniofacial malformations, informing risk assessment for sulfonamide use during pregnancy.

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