Investigation of Fetotoxic Effects of Lithium Carbonate on Growth Parameters in Rat’s Embryo

Abstract

Lithium is a drug, which is administrated in treatment of bipolar disorder, mania and major depression. To prevent recurrent of disease using of this drug should be continued in pregnancy. Therefore the aim of this study was to investigate the fetotoxic effects of lithium carbonate on crown- rump length, fetal body weight, biparietal diameter and macroscopic malformation in rat’s embryo. 30 female and 10 male Sprague dawely rats were chosen. After coupling and observation of spermatozoa in vaginal smear, it was taken as zero day of gestation. Then pregnant rats were randomized into test and control groups (n =6). The test group received 50mg lithium carbonate in 7th –10th –13th –16th 19th day of gestation by intraperitoneal injection .In 20th day of gestation, following deep anesthesia, the embryos removed and examined for macroscopic abnormalities. Their fetal body weight (FBW), crown-rump length (CRL) and biparietal diameter (BPD) measured and statistical analysis done. Statistical analysis showed a significant decrease in mean of FBW, BPD and CRL following lithium administration (p