Effects of the antimalarial drug dihydroartemisinin (DHA) on rat embryos in vitro

摘要: Abstract Artemisinin derivatives are not currently recommended for use during the first trimester of pregnancy because they cause embryo death and some abnormalities in early animals. We studied effects dihydroartemisinin (DHA) rat whole cultures (WEC). DHA was added to culture medium entire 48-h culture, 1.5 h at beginning or end 0.01–2 μg/mL. affected primarily red blood cells yolk sac hematopoiesis. Higher concentrations longer exposure inhibited angiogenesis. Tissue damage (cell deaths) on morphology (neural tube, branchial arches, somites caudal region defects) were attributed these events. The viability severely embryos beyond assay is uncertain. These results help explain findings from animal data provide evidence that highly susceptible artemisinin compounds. Extrapolating pregnant women exposed remains difficult. Pharmacovigilance further studies mechanism needed.