Investigation of the effects of folate deficiency on embryonic development through the establishment of a folate deficient mouse model.

摘要: Background Folic acid (FA) has been shown to reduce the incidence of neural tube, craniofacial, and cardiovascular defects low birth weight. The mechanism(s) by which vitamin is effective, however, not determined. Therefore, a folic deficient mouse model was developed. Methods To create deficiency, ICR female mice were placed on diet containing no FA including 1% succinyl sulfathiazole (SS) for 4 weeks before mating. Control fed diets with either: 1) SS [+SS only diet]; 2) [normal or 3) breeding diet. Dams fetuses examined during various days gestation. Results Blood analysis showed that gestational day 18, plasma folate concentrations in −FA+SS dams decreased 1.13 ng/ml, concentration approximately 3% (33.24 ng/ml) 8% +SS only/normal (13.59 ng/ml). RBC levels similar decrease, whereas homocysteine increased. Reproductive outcome poor increased fetal deaths, weight, delays palate heart development. Conclusions Female exhibited many characteristics common human folate, homocysteine, reproductive outcomes. Thus, an excellent created investigate underlying origin related deficiency. Teratology 65:219–227, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.