Cerebellar Toxicity Induced by Maternal Exposure to Topical Betamethasone Prior to Fertilization in Newborn Rabbits

Abstract

Background: Betamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid used for treatment of Psoriasis. Until now, the side effect of maternal exposure to topical betamethasone, prior to fertilization, on newborn is not clear. So, the aim of the present study was to determine this side effect. Methods: We used two doses of betamethasone: 0.02 and 0.2 mg/kg b.w. At the end of the experimental period (after 3 weeks of delivery), six new-born rabbits of both sexes (1 newborn rabbit per mother) were dissected under light anesthesia and blood and cerebellum samples were collected. All the measurements were performed in one assay. Result: The results of this study revealed that betamethasone can bioaccumulate in sera of rabbits treated mothers. Maternal exposure to betamethasone, for 2 months before fertilization, induced oxidative stress, alterations in levels of studied neurotransmitters and increase in activities of acetylcholinesterase and caspase-3 enzymes. Furthermore, these biochemical alterations were supported by histopathological observations. So, this study suggested that females; desiring to be pregnant, should stop treatment of psoriasis with betamethasone before fertilization to avoid cerebellar toxicity of their offspring.