Effects of bupivacaine on the development of the heart & kidney of albino mice

Teratogenic effects of a local anesthetic bupivacaine were investigated in this study. thirty mice were used; these comprised twenty four female and six male animals. drug was injected intraperitoneally at a dose of 25 and 50 mg/kg on gestation day (gd) 6 to 14. control group was injected equivalent volume of vehicle solution (normal saline) on gd 6 to14. teratological assessment was carried out on gd18. the results showed that bupivacaine treatment during gestation resulted in reduced litter size and increased fetal resorptions. groups of fetuses exposed to 25 and 50 mg/kg bupivacaine exhibited reduced birth weight and decreased crown rump length (crl). regarding anomalies of heart 10% of the fetuses revealed atrial septal defect in group c. whereas 5% and 10% of the fetuses among group b and c respectively,were observed to have dextrocardia. none of the groups revealed gross anomalies of kidney.