The teratogenic effects of copper chloride (II) on the cervical spinal development of mouse embryos

Copper is an essential trace element. This element is absorbed in digestive system. Copper chloride is one of the most important of its components. The lack of copper results to structural and metabolic defects. According to recent studies, copper has toxic effect on central nervous system. In spite of that, a little amount of copper is necessary for brain development, but high amounts of it may cause defects in central nervous system. Eighteen pregnant mice were divided in intact, control and experimental groups. Each group had six pregnant mice. Experimental group was received CuCl2 (5 mg/kg. I.P) on 7th, 8th and 9th gestational days. Control group was injected with distilled water on the same days. Intact group was received no injection. Embryos were extruded from the uterus on 15th gestational day. Weight and number of absorbed embryos were measured. Following tissue passage and sectioning, sections were stained with H&E. According to macroscopic measurement, weight of embryos in all experimental groups was decreased significantly (P<0.05). In microscopic observations, cellular irregularity and geliosis were seen. In morphometric evaluations, in all groups, thickness of marginal layer of spinal cord was decreased (P<0.05). Thickness of ventricular layer was increased, but mantle layer thickness was decreased in all groups. Our findings shows that high amount of copper chloride is teratogen and excess copper can caused anomaly in CNS.