Study on the teratogenic effects of phenytoin and phenobarbital and the reduction of their effects by folic acid in mice

Background and Ëpilepsy is a chronic nervous disease, inflicting about 1٪ of the world population. Toxic effects of antiepileptic drugs are significant and controversial issues. Since these drugs are used by millions of people, the least abnormalities could be presented as a hazardous defect. Âim of this study was to investigate the toxic effects of phenytoin and Phenobarbital. Âmong antiepileptics, these two drugs are used more in Ïran. Âlso the antiteratogenicity of folic acid when administered with these two drugs has been studied. To do this study, 81 Bulb Ç female mice were selected randomly. Then two females were mated with one male overnight. The vaginal plug detection confirmed the pregnancy. The pregnant mice were divided into 6 groups randomly. The first group received distilled water as a control group, 2nd group phenytoin, 3rd group Phenobarbital, 4th group folic acid, 5th group phenytoin and folic acid, 6th group Phenobarbital and folic acid. Then they were dissected on the 19th day of pregnancy and studied for congenital malformation. Âbnormalities such as, cleft palate, exencephaly, spina bifida and tail gangrene were investigated. Âccording to the results, the phenytoin treated mice showed the highest rate of abnormalities (28. 6%) and a lower rate in phenobarbital groups (19%). Âlso combination of the above mentioned drugs with folic acid decreased the abnormalities. Çombination of phenytoin and folic acid decreased these effects to 10. 7%, while combination of phenobarbital with folic acid lowered them to 3. 8%. Çonclusion: Findings of this study confirm the teratogenic effects of phenytoin and phemobarbital which can be reduced in combination with folic acid.