Retinal teratogenicity of pregabalin in chick embryo model

Abstract

Background Pregabalin is a gamma-aminobutyric acid analog that binds to the α2-δ subunits of the pre-synaptic voltage-dependent calcium channels of nerves with a high affinity and selectivity. In this study, the retinal teratogenic potential of pregabalin was investigated in a chick embryo model. Materials and methods Fertilised chicken eggs were divided into groups for administration with different doses of pregabalin. All eggs were opened on the 10th day of incubation. The embryos were dissected and the effects of pregabalin on the retina were investigated histopathologically, morphometrically, and immunohistochemically (Caspase-3). Results There was no statistically significant difference between the low dose pregabalin, control, or vehicle control groups in terms of the number of retina layers and retinal thickness. Medium and high dose pregabalin caused a statistically significant decrease in the number of retina layers, as well as sensory retinal and pigment epithelium layer thicknesses. The outer nuclear and outer plexiform layer did not form in the group administered a medium dose. Similarly, the outer nuclear, outer plexiform, inner nuclear, and inner plexiform layer did not form in the high-dose group. No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of cellular damage and Caspase-3 expression. Conclusion The use of pregabalin during pregnancy compromises retinal development in a dose-dependent manner. The use of pregabalin in pregnancy causes the aforementioned defects in this system and it may have developmental effects that needs to be further evaluated.