Effects of Oyster Extract on Teratogenicity and Embryonic Development in Zinc-Deficient Mice

Abstract

Zinc is a very important nutrient in a normal reproductive function and embryonic development of mammals. It is well-known that the oyster extract contains a large amount of zinc. We studied the effects of oyster extract on reproductive function, embryonic development and serum levels of zinc in zinc-deficient mice. Zinc deficiency during pregnancy induced the decrease in successful pregnancy rate, maternal weight gain, the number of live fetuses and fetal body weight in mouse dams. Also zinc deficiency caused a number of external malformations and growth retardation in fetuses. However, the supplement of oyster extract prevented the induction of reproductive and embryonic defects in zinc-deficient mice. There were significantly lower serum concentration of zinc in pregnant dams fed zinc-deficient diet. However, the serum zinc concentration attained the normal level in the oyster extract-supplemented group. No difference in the concentration of serum zinc. was observed between the oyster extract-and zinc carbonate-supplemented groups. From these findings, it is suggested that the oyster extract may be a useful diet which can prevent the reproductive and embryonic defects in the zinc-deficient status.