The Use of Two Immunosuppressive Drugs,Cyclosporin A and Tacrolimus,to Inhibit Virus Replication and Apoptosis in Cells Infected with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

An in vitro model of acute and chronic infections with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) was used to examine the effect of two immunosuppressive agents, cyclosporin A (CsA) and tacrolimus (also known as FK506), on the inhibition of the replication of the virus and of apoptosis. Both drugs significantly suppressed virus production in a dose-dependent manner in acutely and chronically infected cells. The ability of FK506 to inhibit virus replication was much lower than that of CsA, and was accompanied by marked antiproliferative activity. Treatment of infected cells with either CsA or FK506 did not affect the rise of free intracellular Ca2+ but did protect the cells against apoptosis. Thus, the antiviral activity of CsA and FK506 makes these compounds promising candidates for the development of drugs suitable for the treatment of AIDS.     

Differential DNA methylation of the meiosis‐specific gene FKBP6 in testes of yak and cattle–yak hybrids

FK506‐binding protein 6 (FKBP6) is essential for meiosis during mammalian spermatogenesis. However, the molecular regulation of FKBP6 during spermatogenesis remains unclear. In the present study, we performed molecular characterization of the meiosis‐specific gene FKBP6 in yak testes. Yak FKBP6 encodes a polypeptide of 295 amino acid residues with an FK506‐binding domain (FKBP_C) and three tetratricopeptide repeat domains. The methylation level of the FKBP6 promoter in testes was significantly higher in cattle–yak with male sterility than in yak, and the FKBP6 promoter was methylated in liver tissues in which FKBP6 is not expressed. FKBP6 promoter activity was significantly decreased after treatment with the M.SssI methyltransferase in vitro. Furthermore, the FKBP6 gene was remarkably activated in bovine mammary epithelial cells treated with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5‐aza‐2‐deoxycytidine. Taken together, our results demonstrate for the first time that the FKBP6 promoter is differentially methylated in testes; together with the functional promoter analysis, this suggests that methylation of this promoter may contribute to cattle–yak male infertility.     

Suppression of feline coronavirus replication in vitro by cyclosporin A

ABSTRACT: The feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) is a member of the feline coronavirus family that causes FIP, which is incurable and fatal in cats. Cyclosporin A (CsA), an immunosuppressive agent that targets the nuclear factor pathway of activated T-cells (NF-AT) to bind cellular cyclophilins (CyP), dose-dependently inhibited FIPV replication in vitro. FK506 (an immunosuppressor of the pathway that binds cellular FK506-binding protein (FKBP) but not CyP) did not affect FIPV replication. Neither cell growth nor viability changed in the presence of either CsA or FK506, and these factors did not affect the NF-AT pathway in fcwf-4 cells. Therefore, CsA does not seem to exert inhibitory effects via the NF-AT pathway. In conclusion, CsA inhibited FIPV replication in vitro and further studies are needed to verify the practical value of CsA as an anti-FIPV treatment in vivo.     

Developmental fall in whole body protein turnover of chick embryos during incubation

Whole body protein turnover was measured in chick embryos during incubation to investigate whether or not there is a fall in fractional rates of protein synthesis and degradation during development. Stable isotopically labelled [15N]phenylalanine was injected intraperitoneally into embryos on days 12 and 19. From 60 to 90 min after injection the isotope enrichment in free and protein-bound phenylalanine was measured with a selected-ion gas-chromatograph mass-spectrometer. The results showed that from days 12 to 19 of incubation, there was a remarkable reduction in fractional rates of protein synthesis and degradation in the whole body of chick embryos. During embryonic growth, protein synthesis per unit of RNA that is, the minimum amino acid translation rate of RNA, did not change significantly, whereas the RNA:protein ratio was reduced to one-third from days 12 to 19 of incubation. It was concluded, therefore, that the dramatic fall in fractional synthesis rate in chick embryos would be entirely attributable to the rapid increase in protein content, thereby changing the RNA:protein ratio in parallel with the fractional synthesis rate.     

Tacrolimus-FK506 induced immunosuppression in gnotobiotic piglets

Tacrolimus (FK506), an inhibitor of calcineurin, is an immunosuppressive agent used in clinical trials of transplant patients. Although FK506 targets Ca(2+)-mediated T-cell signaling, phenotype(s) of the specific target cells and the corresponding cytokine pathways are not well known. In this study, the impact of FK506 on number and characteristic of T-cells in selected lymphoid tissues of gnotobiotic (GB) piglets was determined. FK506-treated GB piglets were compared with untreated GB and conventional piglets. The T-helper, cytotoxic, natural killer, double-positive, and activated T-cell populations were analyzed in suspensions of mononuclear cells isolated from thymus, mesenteric lymph nodes and peripheral blood. In vitro secretion of interleukin-8 and interferon-gamma in concanavalin A-stimulated lymphoid cell-cultures was measured by ELISA. Daily intramuscular treatment of GB piglets with 1mg/kg of FK506 from birth for 4 weeks resulted in lowered (P<0.05) in vitro secretion of interferon-gamma and interleukin-8. Moreover, depletions of MNC in systemic and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues were observed in piglets treated with FK506. The depletions of mononuclear cells and low levels of interferon-gamma and interleukin-8 in piglets treated with FK506 were accompanied by lower proportion of CD3+, CD2+CD4+ and CD2+CD8+ T-cell phenotypes in peripheral blood but not in thymus and mesenteric lymph nodes. These results indicate that FK506-treatment causes immunosuppression in GB piglet, and this effect could be exploited further to study opportunistic pathogens in pig model.     

鸡FKBP5基因的克隆、生物信息学及组织表达谱分析

本研究旨在对鸡FK506结合蛋白5(FK506 binding protein 5,FKBP5)基因进行克隆和生物信息学分析,并检测其在鸡不同组织中的表达量。以鸡脾脏cDNA为模板,通过PCR方法扩增和克隆鸡FKBP5基因完整CDS区序列,并进行同源性比对及系统进化树构建;使用在线软件分析FKBP5蛋白的理化性质、疏水性、跨膜结构、信号肽、二级结构和三级结构;利用实时荧光定量PCR检测其在肢体内外翻畸形(valgus-varus deformity,VVD)组肉鸡和正常组肉鸡组织中的表达量,并绘制组织表达谱。结果显示,鸡FKBP5基因CDS区序列全长1350 bp,编码449个氨基酸;同源性比对和进化树分析表明,鸡FKBP5基因氨基酸序列与鹌鹑、鸭、壁虎、中华鳖、小鼠、人、猪、斑马鱼的同源性分别为98.4%、96.2%、85.8%、87.4%、81.1%、85.2%、86.1%和61.2%,与鹌鹑、鸭的亲缘关系最近,爬行类和哺乳类动物次之,与斑马鱼(鱼类)亲缘关系最远。鸡FKBP5蛋白分子质量为50.43 ku,理论等电点(pI)为5.94,半衰期为30 h,肽链N端为蛋氨酸(Met),不稳定系数为23.80,属于稳定蛋白;跨膜区和信号肽预测结果显示,FKBP5蛋白不属于跨膜蛋白和分泌型蛋白。结构域分析结果表明,该蛋白包括2个FKBP型肽基脯氨酰异构酶(FKBP-type peptidylprolyl isomerases)、3个四肽重复(TPR)序列,主要包含α-螺旋(46.77%)、延伸链(12.47%)和无规则卷曲(40.76%),且该蛋白与HSPA2、PPID、STIP1、HSP90AA1和HSP90AB1等互作蛋白具有很强的相关性。实时荧光定量PCR结果显示,FKBP5基因在鸡各组织中广泛表达,其中在软骨和法氏囊中表达量较高,在发病组肉鸡组织中的表达量均高于正常组肉鸡,且在心脏、腿肌、法氏囊、胸腺、软骨中表达量差异显著(P<0.05),在脾脏中表达量差异极显著(P<0.01)。本试验结果可为肉鸡骨骼疾病及腿部健康选育提供参考。     

Amino acids regulate energy utilization through mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 and adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase pathway in porcine enterocytes

As major fuels for the small intestinal mucosa, dietary amino acids (AA) are catabolized in the mitochondria and serve as sources of energy production. The present study was conducted to investigate AA metabolism that supply cell energy and the underlying signaling pathways in porcine enterocytes. Intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) were treated with different concentrations of AA, inhibitor, or agonist of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK), and mitochondrial respiration was monitored. The results showed that AA treatments resulted in enhanced mitochondrial respiration, increased intracellular content of pyruvic acid and lactic acid, and increased hormone-sensitive lipase mRNA expression. Meanwhile, decreased citrate synthase, isocitrate dehydrogenase alpha, and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 mRNA expression were also observed. We found that AA treatments increased the protein levels of phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), phosphorylated-p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase, and phosphorylated-4E-binding protein 1. What is more, the protein levels of phosphorylated AMPK α (p-AMPKα) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent protein deacetylase sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) were decreased by AA treatments in a time depending manner. Mitochondrial bioenergetics and the production of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates were decreased upon inhibition of mTORC1 or AMPK. Moreover, AMPK activation could up-regulate the mRNA expressions of inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit beta (Ikbkβ), integrin-linked protein kinase (ILK), unconventional myosin-Ic (Myo1c), ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-2 (RPS6Kβ2), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-β, which are downstream effectors of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). The mRNA expressions of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit delta isoform (PIK3CD) and 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase subunit gamma-1 (PRKAG1), which are upstream regulators of mTOR, were also up-regulated by AMPK activation. On the other hand, AMPK activation also down-regulated FK506-binding protein 1A (FKBP1A), serine/threonine-protein phosphatase 2A 55 kDa regulatory subunit B beta isoform, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), and unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1 (Ulk1), which are up-stream regulators of mTORC1. Taken together, these data indicated that AA regulated cellular energy metabolism through mTOR and AMPK pathway in porcine enterocytes. These results demonstrated interactions of AMPK and mTORC1 pathways in AA catabolism and energy metabolism in intestinal mucosa cells of piglets, and also provided reference for using AA to remedy human intestinal diseases.     

Implication of FKBP6 for Male Fertility in Horses

In stallions, impaired acrosome reaction (IAR) may often cause subfertility. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within FK506‐binding protein (FKBP6) seem to be associated with IAR in stallions. However, their effect on stallion fertility has not yet been quantified. Using whole‐genome sequence data of seven stallions, we searched FKBP6 for mutations to perform an association study in Hanoverian stallions with estimated breeding values for the paternal component of the pregnancy rate per oestrus cycle (EBV‐PAT) as target trait. Genotyping five exonic mutations within FKBP6 revealed a significant association of the SNP g.11040379C>A (p.167H>N) with EBV‐PAT in 216 Hanoverian stallions. The difference among the two homozygous genotypes was 7.62% in EBV‐PAT, corresponding to one standard deviation of EBV‐PAT. In conclusion, in Hanoverian stallions, the FKBP6‐associated SNP g.11040379C>A confers higher conception rates in A/A homozygous and lower conception rates in C/C homozygous Hanoverian stallions. Thus, an FKBP6‐associated missense mutation is significantly associated with stallion fertility.     

Investigation of mRNA expression for secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (sFRP2) in chick embryos

The roles of secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (sFRP2) in organ development of vertebrate animals are not well understood. We investigated expression of sFRP2 during embryogenesis of Arbor Acre broiler chicken eggs. Expression of sFRP2 was detected in the folds and lateral layer of developing brains. The sFRP2 signals in the developing eye were marked as a circle along the orbit. In younger embryos on days 3-6, the sFRP2 signals were consistent with growth of the sclerotome, suggesting that sFRP2 may be associated with somite development. Furthermore, with the exception of bones, sFRP2 mRNA was detectable in the interdigital tissue of embryos older than eight days as the limbs matured. This revealed that sFRP2 might play a role in myogenesis. In situ hybridization was also used to analyze the expression of sFRP2 in day 3-10 chick embryos. Signals were expressed in the gray matter of the developing brain coelom, including the optic lobe, metencephalon, myelencephalon, mesencephalon and diencephalon. The developing eyes contained an intercellular distribution of sFRP2 in the pigmented layer of the retina and photoreceptors. Furthermore, sFRP2 was expressed in the mantle layer of the neural tube and notochord. Based on these findings, it seems reasonable to suggest that sFRP2 may play an active role in embryogenesis, especially in development of the neural system, eyes, muscles and limbs.     

Evaluation of an early granulocytic response of chick embryos inoculated with herpesvirus of turkeys

1. Early granulocytic response was evaluated in chick embryos inoculated with herpesvirus of turkeys (HVT). 2. Fifty 10-d-old specific pathogen-free embryos were divided into two groups, inoculated via yolk sac. Group 1 were inoculated with a complete dose of HVT and group 2 with vaccinediluent only. 3. Samples were taken for histological evaluation of yolk sac, liver, chorioallantoic membrane, brain and heart from 5 embryos per group on days 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 of embryonic life. 4. Increases in numbers of granulocytes were detected on days 14 and 16 in the yolk sac, and on d 14 and 20 in the liver of in embryos, which received HVT. In addition, the chorioallantoic membrane was infiltrated with granulocytes. 5. The results confirm that granulopoiesis in the yolk sac is stimulated in the early stages of incubation if a viral antigen is present. The virus also appears to trigger the presence of granulocytes in embryonic liver and chorioallantoic membranes.     

Embryogenetics: gene control of the embryogenesis of the eye

In recent years there have been significant advances in our knowledge and understanding of the genetic control of embryonic development. The aim of this paper is to review the current state of knowledge regarding genetic control of embryogenesis, the first stage of ocular development. Products of numerous genes participate in signaling, induction and control during the formation of the neural plate, groove and tube, key events leading to the development of the future eye.     

鸡FKBP5基因的克隆、生物信息学及组织表达谱分析

本研究旨在对鸡FK506结合蛋白5（FK506 binding protein 5,FKBP5）基因进行克隆和生物信息学分析,并检测其在鸡不同组织中的表达量。以鸡脾脏cDNA为模板,通过PCR方法扩增和克隆鸡FKBP5基因完整CDS区序列,并进行同源性比对及系统进化树构建;使用在线软件分析FKBP5蛋白的理化性质、疏水性、跨膜结构、信号肽、二级结构和三级结构;利用实时荧光定量PCR检测其在肢体内外翻畸形（valgus-varus deformity,VVD）组肉鸡和正常组肉鸡组织中的表达量,并绘制组织表达谱。结果显示,鸡FKBP5基因CDS区序列全长1 350 bp,编码449个氨基酸;同源性比对和进化树分析表明,鸡FKBP5基因氨基酸序列与鹌鹑、鸭、壁虎、中华鳖、小鼠、人、猪、斑马鱼的同源性分别为98.4%、96.2%、85.8%、87.4%、81.1%、85.2%、86.1%和61.2%,与鹌鹑、鸭的亲缘关系最近,爬行类和哺乳类动物次之,与斑马鱼（鱼类）亲缘关系最远。鸡FKBP5蛋白分子质量为50.43 ku,理论等电点（pI）为5.94,半衰期为30 h,肽链N端为蛋氨酸（Met）,不稳定系数为23.80,属于稳定蛋白;跨膜区和信号肽预测结果显示,FKBP5蛋白不属于跨膜蛋白和分泌型蛋白。结构域分析结果表明,该蛋白包括2个FKBP型肽基脯氨酰异构酶（FKBP-type peptidylprolyl isomerases）、3个四肽重复（TPR）序列,主要包含α-螺旋（46.77%）、延伸链（12.47%）和无规则卷曲（40.76%）,且该蛋白与HSPA2、PPID、STIP1、HSP90AA1和HSP90AB1等互作蛋白具有很强的相关性。实时荧光定量PCR结果显示,FKBP5基因在鸡各组织中广泛表达,其中在软骨和法氏囊中表达量较高,在发病组肉鸡组织中的表达量均高于正常组肉鸡,且在心脏、腿肌、法氏囊、胸腺、软骨中表达量差异显著（P<0.05）,在脾脏中表达量差异极显著（P<0.01）。本试验结果可为肉鸡骨骼疾病及腿部健康选育提供参考。     

柞蚕胚胎发育期蛋白质的2D-PAGE图谱分析

采用SDS-PAGE和2D-PAGE技术分析柞蚕胚胎期不同发育阶段的蛋白质组成和含量变化,为从蛋白质水平探讨柞蚕胚胎发育过程中的基因顺序表达模式积累基础信息。SDS-PAGE电泳结果显示:在柞蚕胚胎的发育过程中共分离到相对明显的32条蛋白带,包括分子质量约70、60、30 kD的高丰度蛋白条带,随着胚胎的发育,这些蛋白质含量逐渐减少,而40、15 kD左右的蛋白质含量逐渐增加,到孵化成蚁蚕(324 h)时,分子质量约70、60 kD的蛋白条带基本消失。进一步分析柞蚕胚胎发育不同时期蛋白质的2D-PAGE图谱:蛋白点数量随胚胎发育逐渐增多,胚胎发育12 h检测到370个蛋白点,胚胎发育300 h的蛋白点达到422个;胚胎发育132 h及276 h的蛋白点与胚胎发育早期36 h蛋白点的匹配率分别为52.4%和28.4%。此外,孵化蚁蚕总蛋白2D-PAGE图谱与胚胎期相比存在较大差异。研究结果提示,柞蚕胚胎发育前期,从胚胎形成期到附肢发生期(12～60 h),蛋白质种类相对较少,且变化不大;胚胎发育的气管形成期(228～276 h)开始,蛋白质种类变化剧烈,偏酸性蛋白质增加,蛋白点的匹配率下降。     

Changes in somal growth and dendritic patterns of the retinal ganglion cells in the chicks and chick embryos

Changes in the somal growth and dendritic patterns of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) were studied in early chick embryos and post-hatching chicks by means of the retrograde axonal transport labeling with DiI. Branching patterns of the dendrites were relatively uniform on E8 (embryonic day 8) and became more complicated on E11. Variety of the branching pattern became plainly abundant after E14. On the other hand, somata of RGCs continued to grow until E14, corresponding the appearance of the central-peripheral gradient of the somal size. After E14, RGCs elaborated on the formation of the dendritic patterns as found in chick retina, and simultaneously the growth of somal sizes almost ceased.     

Observaciones en el punto de unión neuroectodermo-ectodermo no neural en embriones de pollo en neurulación tratados con citocalasina B ≪in ovo≫

Observations in the point of union of the neuroectoderm with the nonneural ectoderm in chick embryos after treatment "in ovo" with cytochalasin B during neurulation
Treatment of "in ovo" chick embryos with cytochalasin B during neurulation resulted in the failure of formation of the neural folds, producing an alteration in the point of union of the neuroectoderm with the nonneural ectoderm in its final development. This alteration consisted in the appearance of folding and superposition of both epithelia in this zone. The results support a possible role of the apical microfilaments in neuroectoderm and nonneural ectoderm in the process of neurulation.     

Effect of topical 0.02% tacrolimus aqueous suspension on tear production in dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca

Objective To investigate the effect of 0.02% tacrolimus in aqueous suspension on tear production in dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). Animals studied One hundred five dogs diagnosed with KCS [Schirmer tear test (STT) ≤ 10 mm/min and clinical signs of dry eye]. Eyes with marginally decreased STT (11 ≤ 15 mm/min) and clinical signs of dry eye were also evaluated. Procedure The investigation was conducted in two parts: an initial efficacy study and a subsequent double blinded controlled study. In the efficacy study, the effect of topical tacrolimus (formerly FK‐506) on tear production in dogs with primary KCS was evaluated. Dogs were divided into four categories: 1) 59 eyes (38 dogs) naïve to tear stimulation therapy with initial STT ≤ 10 mm/min; 2) 28 eyes (21 dogs) naïve to tear stimulation therapy with initial STT 11 ≤ 15 mm/min; 3) 30 eyes (15 dogs) maintained successfully on CsA therapy; 4) 47 eyes (24 dogs) unresponsive to CsA therapy. STT and clinical signs were evaluated prior to and after 6 to 8 weeks of twice daily tacrolimus administration. Tacrolimus was substituted for CsA therapy in categories 3 and 4. The controlled study compared the effect of topical tacrolimus in aqueous suspension to administration of the aqueous carrier alone on tear production in 20 dogs with primary KCS. Results In the efficacy study, STT increased by 5 mm/min in 84.7%, 25.0%, 26.7% and 51.1% of eyes in categories 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively after tacrolimus administration. Eighty‐three percent of eyes with extremely low initial STT (≤ 2 mm/min), increased 5 mm/min after tacrolimus. In the controlled study, STT increased by 5 mm/min in 7/10 dogs (14/20 eyes) that received tacrolimus and in none of the 10 dogs that received aqueous carrier alone. Dogs receiving just the aqueous carrier were subsequently treated with tacrolimus, and STT increased 5 mm/min in 9 dogs (18/20 eyes) after administration. Conclusions Twice daily administration of 0.02% tacrolimus in aqueous suspension effectively increased tear production in dogs with KCS. Topical tacrolimus is a promising alternative to topical CsA for treatment of KCS and may be beneficial in patients with less than optimal response to topical CsA.     

Non-ventilation during early incubation in combination with dexamethasone administration during late incubation: 1. Effects on physiological hormone levels, incubation duration and hatching events

This study investigated the effect of non-ventilation of the incubator during the first 10 days of incubation and its combination with dexamethasone administration at day 16 or 18 of incubation on hatching parameters and embryo and post-hatch chick juvenile physiology. A total of 2400 hatching eggs produced by Cobb broiler breeders were used for the study. Blood samples were collected at day 18 of incubation, at internal pipping stage (IP), at the end of hatch (day-old chick) and at 7-day-post-hatch for T(3), T(4) and corticosterone levels determination. From 448 to 506 h of incubation, the eggs were checked individually in the hatcher every 2h for pipping and hatching. The results indicate that non-ventilation during the first 10-day shortened incubation duration up to IP, external pipping (EP) and hatch, had no effect on hatchability and led to higher T(3) levels at IP but lower corticosterone levels at 7-day-post-hatch. The injection of dexamethasone at days 16 and 18 of incubation affected hatching and blood parameters in both the ventilated and non-ventilated embryos differentially and the effect was dependent on the age of the embryo. Dexamethasone increased T(3) levels and T(3)/T(4) ratios but the effect was greater with early non-ventilation of eggs. Dexamethasone decreased hatchability but the effect was greater when injected at day 16 and especially in ventilated embryos. The effects of incubation protocols and dexamethasone treatments during incubation were still apparent in the hatched chicks until 7 days of age. The changes in T(3), T(4) and corticosterone levels observed in response to the early incubation conditions and late dexamethasone treatments in this study suggest that incubator ventilation or non-ventilation may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) regulation of stress levels (in terms of plasma corticosterone levels) and thyroid function in the embryo with impact on incubation duration, hatching events and early post-hatch life of the chick. Our results also suggest that some stages of development are more sensitive to dexamethasone administration as effects can be influenced by early incubation protocols.     

Investigation of direct toxic and teratogenic effects of anticoagulants on rat embryonic development using in vitro culture method and genotoxicity assay

Heparin and low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) are used to reduce the incidence of venous thromboembolism in pregnancy. Although, these agents have been shown to be safe when used during pregnancy, the studies about direct toxic and teratogenic effects of these drugs on embryonic development are limited. In this study, the effects of heparin and LMWHs on rat embryonic development were investigated by using in vitro embryo culture and micronucleus (MN) assay methods. Rat embryos were cultured in vitro in the presence of different concentrations of heparin (5-40 IU/ml), dalteparin (2.5-20 IU/ml), enoxaparin (25-100 microg/ml) and nadroparin (1-4 IU/ml). Effects of anticoagulants on embryonic developmental parameters were compared and embryos were evaluated for the presence of any malformations. After culturing the embryos, classic MN assay was performed. Anticoagulants significantly decreased all growth and developmental parameters dose-dependently. Dalteparin and enoxaparin were found to cause more developmental toxicity than heparin and nadroparin. Along with haematoma in general, heparin and nadroparin caused maxillary deformity, situs inversus and oedema most frequently, while neural tube defects were observed with dalteparin and enoxaparin. All agents also significantly induced MN formation in rat embryonic blood cells. These results indicate the possible genotoxic effects of anticoagulant agents on the developing rat embryo when applied directly.