SNRI (Venlafaxine) induces Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) in Developing Chick Embryos
Abstract
This research investigates the teratogenicity of SNRI (Venlafaxine) on neural tube formation in Gallus gallus domesticus (chick embryos). Fertilized eggs were exposed to two levels of Venlafaxine (500 ppm and 1000 ppm), and embryonic results were evaluated after 24 hours of incubation. Morphological screening detected evidence of neural tube defects (NTDs) in treated embryos, such as wavy neural tube. These phenotypic defects were associated with dose-dependent decreases in major biochemical markers: total protein (control-1.7 Gms%, 500 ppm- 1.38 Gms%, 1000 ppm- 1.4 Gms%), albumin (control- 1 Gms%, 500 ppm- 0.76 Gms%, 1000 ppm- 0.88 Gms%), globulin (control- 0.7 Gms%, 500 ppm- 0.62 Gms%, 1000 ppm- 0.52 Gms%) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in treated embryos versus controls. Given the key role of alkaline phosphatase in early neurodevelopment and tissue differentiation, its inhibition could play a role in defective neural tube closure. These observations indicate that Venlafaxine interferes with early embryogenesis, specifically with neural tube formation, and raise concerns regarding its safety in pregnancy and emphasize the importance of rigorous risk assessment for prenatal use of antidepressants.
Keywords: Venlafaxine, Teratogenesis, Chick embryo, SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor), Antidepressant, Total protein, Serum Albumin, Serum Globulin, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), SDS-PAGE, Neural Tube Defects (NTDs)
Keywords:
Venlafaxine, Teratogenesis, Chick embryo, SNRIs , Total protein, Serum Albumin, Serum Globulin, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), SDS-PAGE, Neural Tube Defects (NTDs)DOI
https://doi.org/10.22270/jddt.v15i7.7223References
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