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Embryo-fetal development studies with the dietary supplement vinpocetine in the rat and rabbit

Authors :
Paul M. D. Foster
Barry S. McIntyre
Eve Mylchreest
Helen Cunny
Lutfiya Miller-Pinsler
Suramya Waidyanatha
Natasha R. Catlin
Vicki Sutherland
Publication Year :
2018

Abstract

Dietary supplement and natural product use is increasing within the United States, resulting in growing concern for exposure in vulnerable populations, including young adults and women of child-bearing potential. Vinpocetine is a semi-synthetic derivative of the Vinca minor extract, vincamine. Human exposure to vinpocetine occurs through its use as a dietary supplement for its purported nootropic and neuroprotective effects. To investigate the effects of vinpocetine on embryo-fetal development, groups of 25 pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats and 8 pregnant New Zealand White rabbits were orally administered 0, 5, 20, or 60 mg vinpocetine/kg and 0, 25, 75, 150, or 300 mg/kg daily from gestational day (GD) 6-20 and GD 7-28, respectively. Pregnant rats dosed with vinpocetine demonstrated dose-dependent increases in post-implantation loss, higher frequency of early and total resorptions, lower fetal body weights, and fewer live fetuses following administration of 60 mg/kg, in the absence of maternal toxicity. Additionally, the rat fetuses displayed dose-dependent increases in the incidences of ventricular septum defects and full supernumerary thoracolumbar ribs. Similarly, albeit at higher doses than the rats, pregnant rabbits administered vinpocetine displayed an increase in post-implantation loss and fewer live fetuses (300 mg/kg), in addition to significantly lower fetal body weights (≥ 75 mg/kg). In conclusion, vinpocetine exposure resulted in similar effects on embryo-fetal development in the rat and rabbit. The species differences in sensitivity and magnitude of response is likely attributable to a species difference in metabolism. Taken together, these data suggest a potential hazard for pregnant women who may be taking vinpocetine.

Details

Language :
English
Database :
OpenAIRE
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....a57e129cb8026b520ba1f51f89e0793c