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Zinc concentrations in mouse embryo and maternal plasma

Effect of valproic acid and a nonteratogenic metabolite

Biological Trace Element Research volume 25, pages 211–217 (1990)Cite this article

Abstract

The effect of a single teratogenic dose of the antiepileptic drug valproic acid and its nonteratogenic metabolite, 2-en-valproic acid, on zinc concentrations in mouse plasma, embryo, and decidua on d 9 of gestation was investigated. The substances were injected subcutaneously (sc) as their sodium salts. In this mouse model, valproic acid induced between 20% (400 mg/kg dose) and 60% (600 mg/kg dose) incidence of exencephaly in living fetuses; 2-en-valproic acid was not teratogenic at these dose levels.

The zinc concentrations in plasma were significantly increased 1 and 2 h after administration of both substances. The embryonic zinc concentrations were increased 2 and 4 h after application of both substances. The concentrations of zinc in the decidua were not affected.

The similarity of effects of valproic acid and its nonteratogenic analog on zinc concentrations in maternal plasma and embryo suggests that the teratogenicity of a single administration of valproic acid in the mouse is not owing to interference with the zinc metabolism in this species.

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Affiliations

  1. Children's Hospital Medical Center, 45229, Cincinnati, OH

    Christian Wegner

  2. Institute of Toxicology and Embryopharmacology, Free University Berlin, Garystr. 5, D-1000, Berlin 33, Federal Republic of Germany

    Erika Drews & Heinz Nau

Authors
  1. Christian Wegner
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  2. Erika Drews
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  3. Heinz Nau
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Wegner, C., Drews, E. & Nau, H. Zinc concentrations in mouse embryo and maternal plasma. Biol Trace Elem Res 25, 211–217 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02990416

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02990416

Index Entries

  • Valproic acid
  • 2-en-valproic acid
  • mouse
  • plasma
  • embryo
  • decidua
  • zinc concentrations