Teratogenic effect of Fluoroquinolones in rats

The aim of the present study is to determine the effect of fluoroquinolones on the weight gain of pregnant rats , abortions and possible teratogenic effects on fetuses at the day 21 of pregnancy . Material and Methods :186 fetuses and pups of Norwegian rat were used in this study. They were obtained from 34 pregnant rats at21 day of gestation. The pregnant rats were divided to four groups . Group A received enrofloxacin in a dose of 700 mg.kg/day orally from 6 the to 12 the days of gestation . . Group B and C received ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacinin in a dose 550 and 750 mg.kg/day orally for the same period . The pregnant rats were examined for liver size ,and placenta. Results The weight gain of fluoroquinolones treated pregnant rats showed a significant decrease of( 48.35+ 2.241,44.66 + 1.629 and 45.53 + 1.810/gm)as compared to control group which was 60.83+ 2.926. Fetuses from treated mothers showed a significant . decrease in placentaland liver weight , placental weight showed a significant .decrease (p 0.05) of (0.42±0.092,0. 39± 0.038 and 0.38± 0.052) (gm)as compared to control group ( 0.62±0.049). Fetuses from treated mothers showed significant decrease (p 0.05) in liver weight of (0.39 ± 0.027, 0.36 ± 0.026 and 0.35 ± 0.027)(mg) as compared to control group which was( 0.59±0.020) Conclusion :norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and enrofloxacin were found to be embryotoxic by reduced placental and liver size of fetuses there fore reduced mothers weight gain.