A Study Of The Effect Of L-carnitine In Protection Against The Effect Of Sodium I I lalproic Acid On The Fetal Liver Of Albi.no Rats.

Abstract

Birth defects have now assumed greatJ importance because of the increased infant mortality rate due to congenital malformations in comparison with other causes of infant mortality. Many case reports describe infants born after valproate combination therapy and its relation to abnormal fetal development. The action /of the drug remains questionable in experimental animals as well as in clinical cases. The use of valproate has [been greatly increased over the past few decades. Hencthe current study was designed to evaluate the teratological effects of I valproate administered to pregnant rats and offspring liver.

Antiepileptic drug syndrome is a major hbalth problem throughout the world, • especially in th developing countries. It is empirical that women in the childbearing age, suffering of seizure disorders, receivb appropriate counseling and guidance as regards theit medication, especially prior to pregnancy.

Valproate produces anomalies as well as intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR) in 29% of human/cases (narrow bifrontal diameter, high forehead, cardiac defects, internal or external anomalies and defects in closure jof neural tube and psychomotor retardation). In albino liats, valproate causes decrease in fetal weight.

The aim of this research was to study the protective effect of L-carnitine against the effect of valproic acid on the fetal liver of albino rat.