EJMS

Abstract

Background: Maternal cigarette smoking is associated with a higher risk of poor pregnancy outcomes including spontaneous abortion, premature delivery and fetal death. It is also highly correlated with an increased incidence of sudden infant death syndrome, pulmonary disorders and increased respiratory morbidity in the offspring. Aim of the work: The aim of the present study is to identify the possible teratogenic effects of Nicotine on the development of the albino rat embryo and its roles on lung morbidity in the offspring. Material and Methods: In this work thirty pregnant albino rats were used. The pregnant albino rats were divided into three groups. Group I: consisted of ten pregnant rats and used as control group that received nothing. Group II (sham control): will consist of 10 pregnant rats and will be given equivalent amount of normal saline intraperitoneal for 10 days starting from the sixth day of determination of pregnancy. Group III (Nicotine group): will consist of 10 pregnant rats and will be given nicotine 1.5 mg/kg of maternal body weight per day diluted in normal saline and injected intraperitoneal for 10 days starting from the sixth day of determination of pregnancy. Results: In the present study the average implantation sites per dam decreased in group III (Nicotine group) when compared with the control (normal and sham) group. Average numbers of live fetuses per dam were significantly reduced in group III. However, in groups I and II resorbed and dead fetuses were not significant in comparison with group III. Regarding control group (group I and group II) it was found that the average crown rump, body weight and transverse diameter of the head of living rat fetuses were within normal range. On the other hand, it was found that in group III the average crown rump, body weight and transverse diameter of the head of living rat fetuses were significantly reduced. Skull examination of the fetuses in groups I and II (control) showed normal ossification of frontal, parietal, interparietal and supraoccipital skull bones. On the other hand, group III showed numerous anomalies such as; Skull: reduced ossification of frontal, parietal, interparietal and supraoccipital bones of skull. Vertebrae: Manifest absent ossification of the centra of cervical vertebrae, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. Sternum: Absent ossification of the Sternum was detected. Ribs: Narrowing of the intercostals spaces and fusion between ribs. Limbs: Absent ossification of hind limb metatarsal and phalanges and absent ossification of forelimb metacarpal and phalanges. Lungs: examination of the albino rat fetuses' lung in groups I and II (control) showed normal shape and pattern. Histological examination of the albino rat fetuses' lung in groups I and II (control) showed normal alveolar septa and the connective tissue framework is more extensive. On the other hand, examination of the albino rat fetuses' lung in groups III showed enlargement of the lungs filling the whole thoracic cavity. Histological examination of the albino rat fetuses' lung in groups III showed the alveolar septa are larger than those of the control lungs and the connective tissue framework is less extensive and show black stained granules. Conclusion: Nicotine has many teratogenic effects in the form of craniofacial dysmorphology, absent ossification of the vertebrae, absent ossification of hind limb metatarsal and phalanges and absent ossification of forelimb metacarpal and phalanges. Lung alveoli are larger than those of the control lungs and the connective tissue framework is less extensive and show black stained granules. So Nicotine should not be given during pregnancy to avoid its hazardous effect.