Serotonin was evaluated for its embryotoxic and teratogenic effects in pregnant Wistar rats at total doses of 10, 15, and 20 mg/kg divided over five injections at day 9 to 11 of pregnancy. At day 22 of pregnancy, rats were sacrificed and examined for number of live, dead, and resorbed fetuses and mean pup weight. Teratological evaluation was carried out by visual inspection, radiography, and sectioning according to Wilson's technique. When compared to placebo controls, serotonin resulted in dose‐dependent embryotoxicity as evidenced by increased embryonal resorption and decreased pup weight. Furthermore, serotonin dose‐dependently induced malformations, which were mainly acrania, encephalocele, hydrocephalocele, cheiloschisis, coelosomia, and rib abnormalities. Ketanserin, when given orally at a dose level of 5 mg/kg 1 hour before each serotonin injection, completely prevented the serotonin‐induced embryotoxicity and teratogenicity.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Cauteren et al. (1986) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 2 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: