Abstract
The common effects of acetaminophen (paracetamol), isopropylantipyrine (propyphenazone) and caffeine on fetal development were examined in rats. The mixture was given in Tween 80 solution once daily, in a constant proportion of 5:3:1, during days 8–14 of gestation in three different doses. Dose S1–3.5 mg/kg acetaminophen, 2.14 mg/kg isopropylantipyrine, 0.7 mg/kg caffeine. Dose S2 was 10 times higher, and S3 100 times higher than dose S1. On day 21 of gestation, the dams were sacrificed and the fetuses were removed. The corpora lutea, resorptions, live and dead fetuses were counted. The pre-and postimplantation mortality were calculated. The weight of fetuses and placentas, and the length of fetuses and their tails were measured. Two-thirds of each litter was processed for Alizarin Red S staining. The remaining third was fixed in Bouin's solution for subsequent visceral examination by using modified Wilson's technique. A significant decrease in body weight in S1 group, and fetal length and placental weight in group S3 were recorded. A significant increase in tail length in group S2 was observed. The number ofcorpora lutea, fetuses, resorptions, preimplantation and postimplantation mortality did not exhibit any significant difference. Nonsignificant incidence of fetal anomalies was found.