Protective potential of α-tocopherol supplementation against ethanol-induced dysmorphogenesis in postimplantation murine embryos

• Main Authors: Sia Aleli, Jillian L., Ramos, Gliceria B., de Vera, Miriam P.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2015
• Subjects: Mice > Embryos—Transplantation; Vitamin E; Biology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/2372; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/faculty_research/article/3371/type/native/viewcontent
• Institution: De La Salle University

Objective: To assess the protective potential of α-tocopherol on ethanol-induced dysmorphogenesis in 10.5 embryonic day (ED) mouse embryos. Methods: Forty female mice were randomly assigned into control (CON), positive control (ETOH), low-, medium and high-α-tocopherol-supplemented-Ethanol groups (LTOC, MTOC, HTOC, respectively). CON received drinking water without ethanol, ETOH, LTOC, MTOC and HTOC groups received 20% ethanol in drinking water. The supplemented groups were given respective dosages of α-tocopherol, 0.410, 0.819 and 1.640 mg/g body weight, at 14 days before mating until the 9th day of gestation. The 10.5 ED embryos were assessed for embryo weight, head- and crown-rump length, and morphological scoring of brain and sensory vesicles, flexion and somites. The embryo yield was assessed by counting the number of full-term developed embryos from the bulging implantation sites while resorption was assessed by counting the bulging implantation sites but without formed embryos. Results: The weight and head- and crown-rump length of the embryos from the α-tocopherol supplemented groups were comparable to the control. These were significantly higher than that of positive control (P < 0.05). Overall morphological scores of the hindbrain and sensory vesicles were significantly higher in the supplemented and control groups than that of the positive control (P < 0.05). The number of full-term developed embryos was neither affected by ethanol alone nor with supplementation with α-tocopherol. Resorption was significantly lower in the supplemented groups than that of positive control (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The medium and high dosages of α-tocopherol exhibited a protective effect on ethanol-induced dysmorphogenesis. © 2015 Hainan Medical College.