Abstract

STEFFENS, Heloísa et al. Evaluation of the teratogenic potential of chloramphenicol to induce the appearance of cleft palate in Wistar rats. RSBO (Online) [online]. 2010, vol.7, n.2, pp. 154-158. ISSN 1984-5685.

INTRODUCTION: Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic with controversial use during pregnancy for easily crossing the placental barrier and achieving high concentrations in the fetus. OBJETIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the teratogenic potential of chloramphenicol to induce cleft palate in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 10 female Wistar rats were used to perform the mating, allocated into two groups: G1 - 5 female rats received 0.5 mg/kg of sodium chloride intramuscularly from the 14^th to the 17^th day of pregnancy (control); G2 - 5 female rats received 0.5 mg/kg of chloramphenicol intramuscularly from the 14^th to the 17^th day of pregnancy. Cesareans were performed in the 20^th day of pregnancy. The fetuses' heads were removed and clinically examined with the aid of a stereoscopic magnifying glass for the diagnosis of cleft palate. RESULTS: The fetuses of G1 or G2 did not present cleft palate. CONCLUSION: Chloramphenicol does not have the teratogenic potential to induce cleft palate in rats.

Keywords : chloramphenicol; anti-bacterial agents; cleft palate.