Uzma Naseer, Sara Khalid, Mohammad Tahir, Waqas Latif.
Effects of administration of vitamin A to pregnant dams on the skin of the fetuses of albino mice.
Biomedica Jan ;30(1):44-7.

Introduction: For differentiation and maintenance of epithelial cells in vitro and vivo under the influ- ence of retinoic acid treatment, skin seems to be a major target organ for both the normal and patholo- gical states. The current study was conducted to evaluate the effects of retinoic acid on fetal skin if given to albino mice during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: Twelve pregnant albino mice were divided into two groups of 6 each; the expe- rimental group was given 60 mg/kg/day of retinoic acid (R.A) dissolved in 0.1ml of olive oil orally on 7, 8 and 9 day of gestation. Fetuses were delivered and dissected on 18th day of gestation; skin samples were removed and processed for microscopic study. Results and Conclusion: Histological examination of fetal skin in RA treated group showed increased keratinocyte proliferation resulting in increased number of epidermal cell layers and increased epider- mal thickness. It also inhibited the development of hair follicles which are seen in the form of rudimen- tary buds in the dermis. So its usage during pregnancy should be warranted. Given the essential role of retinoids in epidermal differentiation and their effectiveness in the treatment of several skin orders it is important to see its histological effects on skin.

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