Background: Previous studies have shown that morphine consumption during pregnancy may delay embryo development or cause abnormal nervous system function. The present study focused on the effects of maternal morphine consumption on ependyma duct and spinal cord development in Wistar rats. Methods: Wistar rats (170-200g) were used throughout. The experimental groups after fertility received 0.05 mg/ml of morphine by tap water while, the control group received water. On 17th day of pregnancy, the pregnant animals were anesthetized by chloroform and the embryos were removed surgically. The embryos were fixed in formalin 10% for 4 weeks. Then, tissue processing, sectioning and staining hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), were applied for the embryos. The sections were examined for ependyma duct and spinal cord development by light microscope and MOTIC ,SPSS software. Results: Severe reduction of the area ependyma duct and an increase in the marginal layer of spinal cord area were observed in the experimental group. In addition, an increase in the mantle layer area and number cells of spinal cord in the experimental group regarding to controls was identified. Conclusion: The study showed that oral morphine consumption has caused to a decrease ependyma duct and spinal cord .This defect may cause postponed on function and development central neuron system. such as, changes observed in the fetus born by opioid addicted women.

Keywords: morphine, teratogenicity, embryo, wistar rats, development, ependymal duct, spinal cord

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