MICROSCOPIC CHANGES IN THE LIVER OF DEVELOPING RATS EXPOSED TO VALPRIOC ACID

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Valproic Acid (VPA) is a broad - spectrum antiepileptic drug. Its use duringpregnancy has been associated with hapatotoxicity. This study was designed to assess the effects of VPAon the Microscopic structure of the Liver of developing rats exposed to the drug during varioustrimesters of pregnancy.OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the histological changes in developing liver in rats exposed to valproic acidduring different fetal periods. To correlate the extent of liver injury during various developmentalperiods.MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this Experimental Study pregnant rats were divided in to fourgroups A, B, C and D. Group D(n=10) was kept as control group. Group A (n=10) was given VPA in adose of 500 mg/kg/day intraperito-nealy (I/P) on days 3, 4, 5 of gestation. Group B (n=10) received thesame dose I/P on days 8, 9, 10 of gestation while Group C (n=10) received the same dose I/P on days16, 17, and 18 of gestation. On day 21 rats were euthanized and liver of the fetuses were dissected outfor examination.RESULTS: The central vein was significantly dilated in all the groups. Also, there was significantincrease in the size of hepatocytes in all the groups. Moreover, significant inflammation and congestionin portal areas and congestion in sinusoids were observed in all the experimental groups.CONCLUSION: VPA use during pregnancy produces hepatotoxicity in developing rats.KEY WORDS: Valproic Acid, Developing rats, Hepatotoxicity.