ISMJ

Background: Furosemide as a loop diuretic can use in treatment of hypertension, renal or heart failures and cirrhosis, when sodium retention is significant. It is known that use of furosemide can be lead congenital abnormalities in humans and animals. Nitroprusside as a NO donor can decrease blood supply complications and constriction of placenta and uterus via vasodilation and improvment blood supply. The aim of this study was preventation or decrease of teratogenicity form furosemide in rat fetuses by sodium nitroprusside.

Materials and Methods: This study was performed on 28 pregnant rats that were divided into four groups, the groups consist control, furosemide, sodium nitroprusside and furosemide plus sodium nitroprusside. Drugs were administrated on 14^th and 16^th day of gestation. Test groups received furosemide (200mg/kg) orally, and nitroprusside (0.5 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. The rats were euthanized and fetuses were collected at 19^th day of gestation, after weight and length determination, they stained by Alizarin red- Alician blue method. Then the skeletal system of the stained fetuses was investigated by stereomicroscope for teratogenicity effects.

Results: The results showed the cleft palate, wavy ribs and decreased ossification mean incidence in forelimbs and hindlimbs were 11.11%, 68.88% and 20% in the fetuses of the rats received furosemide, where as it decreased to 7.31%, 21.95% and 12.19% in group which received furosemide plus nitroprusside, respectively.

Conclusion: It is concluded that sodium nitroprusside can significantly decrease teratogenicity induced by furosemide.