Abstract

EFFECTS OF SEX SELECTION DRUGS (SSD) ON OUTCOME OF PREGNANCY AND REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOUR OF NEXT GENERATION- PROTOCOL FOR AN ANIMAL STUDY

Sutapa B. Neogi*, Vinoth K.M. Khandelwal, Abhijit Ganguli, Pragya Rai, Rakesh Gupta and Sarala Balachandran

ABSTRACT

Intake of indigenous sex selection drugs (SSDs) to have a male child is a practice reported from certain parts of India. Population based observational studies have indicated a possible association of intake of SSDs with birth defects and stillbirths. This study will aim to establish the effects of SSDs on outcome of pregnancy and effects on the reproductive system of growing male and female foetuses. Evaluation of prenatal developmental toxicity of SSDs will be done by administering SSDs to primigravidae rats during a period that corresponds to the period when SSDs are consumed by pregnant women. Structural abnormalities and pathological changes will be observed by sacrificing the rats close to the date of delivery. Evaluation of peri and post natal developmental toxicity will be done by administering SSDs to rats during pre-specified gestational period and assessing the pups of F1 generation. The various parameters will include changes in the reproductive organs and sexual maturation. Approval has been sought from Ethics Committee of the agency conducting animal study and Ethics Committee of the Institute. OECD guidelines will be adhered at every stage of the project.

Keywords: sex selection drugs, animal models, prenatal toxicity, perinatal toxicity.