Aluminium induced Intrauterine Growth Retardation - an experimental study

Abstract

Present study was carried out to determine the effect of aluminum containing antacid on the intrauterine growth and development of fetus. The duration of exposure was also correlated with the effects on fetal morphology and their weights. Seventy-two pregnant mice were given a daily i.e., dose of 0.7mg/100g of aluminum sulphate for various periods according to the grouping of experimental design. This dose was equivalent to maximum therapeutic dose of aluminum salt for a 70 kg man i.e. 5000mg aluminum/day. Fetal examination was performed on day 20 of gestation. The number of live and dead fetuses in the treated animals was not significantly different from the control groups. Therefore embryo lethality of aluminum cannot be induced. However there was a decrease in fetal body weight that was directly related to the duration of exposure to aluminum sulphate solution. Dissecting microscopic examination showed, the development was arrested in the groups exposed to drugs for longer periods. These results revealed that aluminum is a type of heavy metal, which is teratogenic for mammals even in doses, which are nontoxic for adults.