Effect of Methimazole Intake on Post-Natal Development of Hippocampus in Albino Rats Offspring (Histological Study)
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- Category: Vol. 81, September 2013
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Effect of Methimazole Intake on Post-Natal Development of Hippocampus in Albino Rats Offspring (Histological Study), HAZEM A.S. EL SHAAR, SAYED M. EL SAYED and SAMI ALGAIDI
Abstract
Introduction: Hypothyroidism during neonatal life mark-edly affects development of the hippocampus. Methimazole is an antithyroid drug that may induce hypothyroidism during the postnatal period and markedly retard both maturation and development of the hippocampus.
Aim of the Work: The present study aimed to detect the post-natal structural changes of the hippocampus resulting from hypothyroidism induced by methimazole intake.
Material and Methods: Twenty pregnant female rats were separated into 2 groups (10 animals each): Group I (control animals) and Group II (animals taking methimazole from day 1 of pregnancy till day 21 after delivery). Paraffin sections of the hippocampus were prepared and stained with Gallocy-anine chrom-alum. Measurements of the mean thickness of stratum pyramidale of CA1 of the hippocampus were done and statistically analyzed.
Results: There was delayed maturation of the hippocampus CA1 subfield with markedly thin stratum pyramidale and appearance of degenerating and immature neurons in the treated group (Group 11). The mean thickness and volume proportion (Vv) of stratum pyramidale of CA1 subfield of the hippocampus among the studied groups showed significant decrease in the treated group (Group 11) as compared to the control group (Group 1).
Conclusion: Hypothyroidism induced by methimazole intake during the developmental period of the brain markedly affects the post-natal development of the hippocampus through altering proliferation and migration of nerve cells. Although some authors stated that the drug can be used safely by the mothers during lactation, it should be used with precautions.