The effect of sodium valproate and citronellol on the concentration of estriol, placental gonadotropin and alpha phytoprotein in maternal and fetal serum and amniotic fluid in rats

Taking many antiepileptic drugs such as sodium valproate during pregnancy has harmful and teratogenic effects. Therefore, the present study was performed with aim to compare the effect of sodium valproate and the less dangerous drug citronellol on the level of three variables for the diagnosis of nervous system abnormalities in mother and fetus.

In this experimental study, which was performed in 2019, eighteen adult female Wistar rats (200-220 g, 10 to 12 weeks) were divided into 3 groups of 6 including control, experimental 1 (receiving sodium valproate, 400 mg/kg) and experimental 2 (receiving citronellol, 400 mg/kg). Female rats were mated with male rats. After confirming pregnancy (vaginal plaque and vaginal smear), they intraperitoneally received sodium valproate and citronellol intraperitoneally on days 7, 8, 9 and 10 of pregnancy. On the 18th day of pregnancy, maternal serum, fetal serum, and amniotic fluid were sampled and free estriol, chorionic gonadotropin, and alpha phytoprotein were measured by ELISA method. Data analysis was done using SPSS statistical software (version 21) and ANOVA and Duncan's test. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.

The mean concentration of estriol, chorionic gonadotropin and alpha phytoprotein in maternal serum, fetal serum and amniotic fluid in citronellol group did not show any significant difference compared to the control group (p>0.05). However, in sodium valproate group, a significant decrease in the level of estriol and placental gonadotropin and a significant increase in alpha phytoprotein in maternal serum, fetal serum, and amniotic fluid were observed compared to the control and experimental groups 2 (p<0.05).

Citronellol as an antiepileptic drug with less side effects and greater safety can be used during pregnancy.