Carnitine and Coenzyme A Decrease Valproic Acid‐Induced Neural Tube Defects in Mice

Abstract

Abstract The effects of the administration of L‐carnitine or coenzyme A (Co A) on valproic acid (VPA)‐induced teratogenesis were examined in mice. VPA (300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 mg/kg, s. c.), L‐carnitine (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, s. c.), or Co A (10, 100, 200 mg/kg, i. v.) was injected on day 8 of gestation (plug day = day 0). Exencephaly was induced dose‐dependently by single injections of VPA. Administration of L‐carnitine or Co A alone at any of the dose levels tested did not induce embryocidal or teratogenic effects. In combined treatment experiments, L‐carnitine (400 mg/kg) significantly reduced VPA (500 and 600 mg/kg)‐induced exencephaly, while L‐carnitine did not decrease VPA‐induced open eyelids. Co A (200 mg/kg) also significantly reduced VPA‐(600 mg/kg) induced exencephaly. The results demonstrate the attenuation of VPA teratogenicity by L‐carnitine and Co A.