Effect on Rat Progeny of Daily Administration of Meprobamate during Pregnancy and Lactation

Abstract

THE work recorded here was undertaken to determine whether the daily administration of meprobamate to female rats from the onset of their pregnancies until the weaning of their young would affect physical growth, emotionality or learning ability of the offspring. Wistar female litter mates were assigned to each of four treatment groups: Group 1 received a placebo; Group 2, meprobamate 32 mg/kg/day; Group 3, meprobamate 64 mg/kg/day; and Group 4, meprobamate 128 mg/kg/day. The rats were mated and treatment commenced on the finding of spermatozoa or a vaginal plug and continued through the 21–22 days of pregnancy and for 28 days post partum, at which time the pups were weaned. A 5 per cent aqueous solution of gum acacia was used as a placebo and as the meprobamate vehicle. Administration was by stomach tube twice a day and the volume was adjusted so that each rat received 1 ml. of fluid per 200 g body-weight.