Histopatholo
Histopathological
effects of experimental phenylketonuria on 15 days albino rat placenta
Hala. M. Ebaid
Zoology
Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
Abstract: Phenylketonuria
(PKU) is a genetic disorder that is characterized by an inability of the
body to utilize the essential amino acid, phenylalanine. The disease results
from a deficiency in phenylalanine hydroxylase, the enzyme catalyzing the
conversion of phenylalanine to tyrosine. Although this inborn error of
metabolism was among the first in humans to be understood biochemically and
genetically, little is known of the mechanisms involved in the pathology of PKU during
neonatal development. Hyperphenylalaninaemia (Elevated concentrations
of plasma phenylalanine) were induced in pregnant rats by oral administration
of 30 mg. DL–α-methylphenylalanine/100 g (to inhibit maternal liver
phenylalanine hydroxylase) plus phenylalanine supplementation at a dosage of 60
mg/100 g body weight two times daily (to increase maternal and fetal plasma
phenylalanine) after 6th day of onset of gestation till 15 days
of gestation. Treatment with alpha-methylphenylalanine/phenylalanine affect
placentation through reduction in placental weight and histopathologically,
through increase in apoptotic cells in the labyrinth zone and basal zone, and
hypoplasia of the labyrinth zone and basal zone, dilatation of the blood
vessels and inducing haemorrhagic and degenerative changes in the layers of
placenta. Conclusions: PKU affects placentation that may be
reflected on the growth and development of fetuses.
[Hala, M. Ebaid. Histopathological
effects of experimental phenylketonuria on 15 days albino rat placenta. J
Am Sci 2013;9(6):379-386]. (ISSN: 1545-1003). http://www.jofamericanscience.org.
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Keywords: PKU, Hyperphenylalaninaemia, rat placentation. Full Text 45
