The present study delt with the teratogenic effects of sodium benzoate
(SB) which is used as a food preservative and antimicrobial agent on the
skeletal system of the prenatal fetuses of mice on day 18 of gestation. The used
low and high doses of SB were found to be 200 and 500 mg/kg b.wt. The
pregnant mice were divided into three groups (G1, G2, G3) each subdivided into
two sub-groups for treatment with low and high doses of SB.
This study revealed that most elements of fetuses skull showed
moderate to severe malformations. Ossification of the central of some cervical
vertebrate was absent especially at the high dose in group2. The high dose of
sodium benzoate showed some unossified caudal vertebrae especially in groups
2 and 3. The whole sternum and xiphoid cartilage became shorter than the
control in all groups treated with both doses. The cartilaginous portion of the
ribs exhibited less blue coloration than the control denoting reduction in its
chondrification. Also, some ribs showed curled appearance.
In addition, the scapula and clavicle of the pectoral girdle were shorter
and less thickened in all treated groups. The long bones of the fore and hind
limbs in the high dose treated groups were shorter in length and decreased in
thickness compared to the control. In such case, the density of red coloration
was less than the control. |
