Abstract

We aimed to investigate the potential harmful effects of valproic acid (VPA),  a widely used anticonvulsant in child delivery, and the protective effects of vitamin E (Vit E) and folic acid (FA) on kidney. Sodium valproate (400 mg/kg), folic acid (400 mg/kg) and vitamin E (250 mg/kg) were administered to rats on each of gestation days, 8 ^th, 9 ^th, and 10 ^th. The rats were sacrificed on the 20 ^th day of pregnancy. With thin sections of kidney biopsies, they were stained with uranyl acetate-lead citrate and examined under transmission electron microscope. The animals were divided into four groups randomly: control, VPA, VPA+FA and VPA+Vit E groups. In each group, drug procedure, surgical procedure and histological methods were performed. The histopathological findings of control group was normal. In VPA group, it showed degenerative changes especially in renal glomerular basal membrane and foot process. Both VPA+FA and VPA+Vit E groups exhibited similar ultrastructural changes and had almost the normal structure. Administration of single doses of SV (400 mg/kg) resulted in degenerative changes on kidney at ultrastructural level. Administration of FA and Vit E had a protective effect by preventing the degenerative changes to a certain degree. The aim of the present study is to examine histopathologic changes which may occur in a high risk experimental model after the administration of valproic acid. In addition, protective roles of the administration of folic acid and vitamin E are assessed.

Key words: Folic acid, kidney, rat, valproic acid, vitamin E.