Effect of Letrozole on Eye Development in Rat Embryos

Background & aim: Lens is the most important structure in adjusting input light to the retina. Any defect or delay in lens development leads to impaired in visual system functions. The aim of this study was to evaluate any changes in embryos, lenses whose mothers were treated with Letrozol during pregnancy. Methods: In this experimental study, twenty pregnant rats (wistar) were divided into four groups (three experimental and one control groups). The control group was treated with tap water and the experimental groups were treated with tap water containing Letrozole in doses 0.01, 0.02 or 0.04 mg/kgbw respectively. Rats were treated from day 10 and on day 16 of pregnancy, the embryos were removed by Caesarean. In addition, morphological and histological studies were done by H&E staining in the eyes. Results: In experimental groups treated with Letrozole in doses 1%,2% mg/kg, the diameter of the lens were reduced in compare to control group but in experimental group which received Letrozol in dose0.04 mg/kgbw no lenses was formed. The results were evaluated by one way ANOVA and LSD post hoc. Conclusion: This study showed that using letrozole during pregnancy may lead to birth visual system defects, especially in lenses.