Possible teratogenic mechanism of streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia

ABSTRACT

The mechanism by which hyperglycemia exerts its teratogenic effect is not known. This study evaluated whether arachidonic acid might be involved in this process. This hypothesis was tested in animal model of diabetic pregnant rats. The subcutaneous injection of arachidonic acid [200 mg/kg body weight daily] into pregnant diabetic rats during the period of palatal development and fusion [days 10-15 of gestation] did not alter the maternal glucose concentration or the weight of the embryos. However, the incidence of palatal clefting was significantly reduced from 11.11% to 2% [p<0.001]. Administration of indomethacine [10 mg/kg body weight] concurrently with arachidonic acid blocked this corrective effect. The evidence presented indicates that arachidonic acid supplementation exerts a significant protective effect against the teratogenic action of hyperglycemia in vivo rat animal model