phytoestrogens and Fetal-Death

Early embryonic and fetal development in mammals is sensitive to deficiencies and excesses of specific nutrients and toxicants. Operating directly and/or indirectly, these deficiencies and excesses can result in embryonic death or, in less severe circumstances, disruption of normal embryo and fetal growth. This paper explores the threats posed by feed and forage toxicants to the developing embryo and their impact on early programming of fetal development. Using significant examples, we consider the relevance of temporal sensitivities during early development in utero, and their implications for the morphology and functional competence of specific organs and tissues.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Antithyroid Agents; Diet; Embryonic and Fetal Development; Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; Female; Fetal Death; Isoflavones; Micronutrients; Mycotoxins; Phytoestrogens; Plant Preparations; Plants, Toxic; Pregnancy; Toxins, Biological

Ruta graveolens L. is used in many countries, including Brazil, as an abortifacient. To determine its effect on pregnancy, the lyophilized hydroalcoholic extract of its aerial parts was administered orally at a dose of 1000 mg/kg per day to mice between the first and third day of pregnancy (DOP), between the fourth and sixth DOP or between the seventh and ninth DOP. The extract did not cause preimplantation embryonic loss or reabsorptions. Fetal death was found. Estrogenic activity was not exhibited by the extract.

Topics: Abortifacient Agents; Administration, Oral; Animals; Embryonic Development; Female; Fetal Death; Male; Mice; Ovary; Phytoestrogens; Plant Extracts; Pregnancy; Ruta