Effects of the prednisolone and hydrocortisone on the body weight of the pregnant rats and their embryo in the different stages of pregnancy

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of prednisolone and hydrocortisone on the body weight of the pregnant rats and their embryos after treatment with the drugs during pregnancy.
Materials and Methods: Thirty six adult female pregnant rats were randomly divided into three groups: Grop-1: control group C. (n = 12) received Distilled water 1 ml /kg b.w./day/intramuscularly for 14 days. Group-2: first treatment T1. (n=12) treated with prednisolone 4mg/kg b.w/day/intramuscularly for 14 days . Group-3: second treatment T2.(n=12) treated with hydrocortisone 40mg/kg b.w/day/ intramuscularly for 14 days.The body weight of the pregnant rats and their embryo detected at the day 15th and 20th of the gestation (developmental stage of rat embryo=E). At the detected period for taking the body weight of the pregnant rats and six animals from each group were sacrificed and taken the body weight of embryo with and without placenta.
Results: the results showed that prednisolone decrease the body weight of the pregnant rats and its embryo more than hydrocortisone, and may cause absorption for percentage of embryo.
Conclusion: prednisolone and hydrocortisone causes low body weight in the pregnant rats and its embryo when used for 14 days intramuscularly.