Phenytoin but not valproate directly affected in vitro trophoblast differentiation

Quenby, Siobhan M.; Anin, Sheba; Bates, Michelle D.; Chadwick, David; Vince, Gill S.; Neilson, James P.

doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2007.04.009

« Previous Next »European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology
Volume 137, Issue 1 , Pages 31-36, March 2008

Phenytoin but not valproate directly affected in vitro trophoblast differentiation

Siobhan M. Quenby
- School of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Liverpool, UK
- Corresponding author at: School of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Liverpool Women's Hospital, Crown Street, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK. Tel.: +44 151 706 4100; fax: +44 151 702 4024.
Sheba Anin
- School of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Liverpool, UK
Michelle D. Bates
- Liverpool Women's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UK
David Chadwick
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Liverpool, UK
Gill S. Vince
- School of Infection and Host Defence, 3.048, Duncan Building, Daulby Street, University of Liverpool, UK
James P. Neilson
- School of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Liverpool, UK

Received 9 August 2006; received in revised form 5 March 2007; accepted 16 April 2007. published online 22 May 2007.

Abstract

Objective

Epilepsy has been associated with poor obstetric outcomes that could be the result of the epilepsy itself or a direct effect of anti-epileptic medication on placentation. The aim of this study was to investigate any direct effect of anti-epileptic drugs on an established, in vitro bioassay of trophoblast differentiation.

Study design

Primary extravillous trophoblast cells were cultured in the presence of phenytoin and sodium valproate at a range of concentrations with appropriate solvent controls. The formation of multinuclear giant cells was used as a marker of trophoblast differentiation.

Results

Phenytoin inhibited giant multinuclear cell formation in a dose-dependent manner; in contrast sodium valproate had no effect (p=0.011).

Conclusions

This study found that two anti-epileptic medications induced different effects on an in vitro trophoblast bioassay, suggesting that further research should be aimed at elucidating which anti-epileptic medication is most suitable for pregnant women.

Keywords: Epilepsy, Trophoblast differentiation