Possible Adverse Effects of Phenytoin Given Transplacentally on the Fetal Growth

III. Effects of Phenytoin on Postnatal Brain Development

Abstract

This study was undertaken to elucidate the effects of phenytoin given transplacentally on the neurofunctional and biochemical maturation of the offspring after birth. In the experimental group, a lag of 1 or 2 days in the disappearance of the primitive reflexes and also in the development and maturation of the acquired reflexes was recognized. The activity of 2', 3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphohydrolase in the brain of the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group at 1, 2 and 3 weeks of age. This result indicates that the inhibition of myelination in the brain stem and cerebrum may be one of the causes of delayed maturation of reflexes in the experimental group.