Effect of vitamin A on limb bud development in embryo of Balb/C mouse

Vitamin A is an important messager molecule for differentiation setting, cells proliferation and morphogenesis. In this research, an effect of vitamin A on limb bud development of Balb/C mouse was determined. In this experimental study, 10 female pregnant mice were divided to control and experimental groups. Control mice were maintained in natural situation and experimental mice were received vitamin A 15000IU/kg intraperitoneal injection at gestational day 10.5. Control and experimental mice were dissected in day 15.5 of gestation and after a morphology study; their embryos were prepared for histological studies with microscope and were stained by Hematoxylin & Eosin method. Comparison of crown- rump length, fore limb width, length of zone 1 (finger and palm) and zone 2 (wrist) of fore limb and total length of hind limb in experimental embryos with control group didn’t have significant difference in means. But, mean of embryos weights and length of total fore limb and length zone 3 (arm and forearm) of experimental embryos fore limb were more then control (p<0.001). Also, in comparison mean of hind limb width of experimental to contol embryos, increase was observed (p<0.006). But number and size of chondrocyte in 4 zones of fore and hind limb in experimental group didn’t have significant difference to control group (p>0.05). Concentration of 15000IU/kg vitamin A has progressive effects on the fetuses’ weight and fore limb bud development of Balb/C mouse.