Evaluation of the Effects of Methamphetamine on Amniotic Sac Composition in Pregnant Mice and Their Offspring

Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant drug that has become very popular among adolescents and young people in recent years. Since the use of drugs including methamphetamine can have a potential effect on amniotic fluid, expression of genes can affect mother and fetus, tissues, hormones, and other factors, this study was aimed at investigating the effects of methamphetamine on the amniotic sac of pregnant rat and its effects on subsequent generations. In this study, 60 adult Wistar female rats were assigned to six groups: control group, sham group, group receiving 1 mg/kg amphetamine, group receiving 2 mg/kg amphetamine, group receiving 3 mg/kg amphetamine, and group receiving 4 mg/kg amphetamine. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were taken from the hearts of mice and the desired parameters (testosterone, glucose, LH, FSH, AST, ALT, WBC, and RBC) were measured. The rats were then dissected; amniotic fluid was isolated to evaluate the amount of protein, carbohydrates, fats, phospholipids, and urea. Intraperitoneal injection of methamphetamine caused significant changes in the amount of biochemical parameters measured such as LH, T.G, and testosterone compared to the control group. In addition, methamphetamine did not alter FSH. With increasing methamphetamine dose, expression of HOX and TUBB8 genes decreased. The results of this study show that even at low doses, methamphetamine injection increases or decreases ovarian activity and ovogenesis, resulting in impaired ovulation quality and oocyte maturation.