Effects of prenatal Morphine exposure on the Basal Ganglia development in rat embryo

Investigations has showed that prenatal exposure to Morphine causes drug dependency and behavioral complications in new born rats. In this study effect of prenatal Morphine on the development of basal ganglia in rat embryos is investigated. In this experimental study 36 female rats with body weight between 250-300 grams were selected. After crossing with male rats they were divided into six groups of 12days control-Morphine, 14days control-Morphine and 17days control-Morphine groups. Morphine groups received 0.01mg/ml Morphine through their drinking water until the 12, 14 and 17th day of pregnancy (20ml each rat). Then rats were anesthetized and embryos were taken out and fixed. Their body weight and crown-rump length were measured. Then 5 micrometers sections were provided and stained using H & E method which were then evaluated using mutic program. Body weight and length of embryos were reduced significantly in the 12&14th day of Morphine group rats in compare to their controls. The significant reduction of Basal Ganglia thickness was also found in all Morphine groups compared to their controls. Results showed that prenatal Morphine exposure may cause impairment in change development of Basal Ganglia.