Histological and Ultrastructural Studies on the Effect Amoxicillin on the Stomach of Mouse Fetuses

Abstract

Introduction: B-Lactam antibiotics are widely used because of their lack of toxicity in humans. However, during pregnancy, exposure of the fetus is likely to occur due to b-lactam antibiotics cross the placenta. The potential adverse effects of amoxicillin were examined in stomach of mice fetuses. Material and Methods: This study was aimed to evaluate the possible side effects produced by amoxicillin prenatal administration on the stomach of fetuses. Twenty pregnant mice were used in this study; and were divided into two groups: the first group served as a control group and injected by saline solution (the drug solvent); the second group treated with amoxicillin dose of 205 mg/kg body weight. The treatment was daily administered interperitoneally, from the 7th day of gestation till the 14th day of gestation (GDs 7-14). The developing 19-days old fetuses were examined histologically and ultrastructurally to determine any disorders in the stomach. Results: This study illustrated marked deleterious consequences in the gastric wall of 19 day old fetus, following the treatment with amoxicillin, ranging from marked vacuolations and erosions in the epithelial and glandular cells of the gastric mucosa to conspicuous necrosis of glandular (parietal and zymogenic) cells. The electron microscopical examination of the gastric mucosal cells of fetuses maternally treated with amoxicillin, revealed conspicuous alterations, in the cytoplasmic organelles of gastric mucosal cells (surface epithelial, peptic and parietal cells). The cisternae of RER were dilated and fragmented. The mitochondria displayed gradual devastations. Conclusions: Therefore, the destructive impacts of amoxicillin on the stomach of mice fetuses indicated that it should be used under restricted precautions in the medical fields to protect the pregnant women from its hazardous impact.