Effect of Diclofenac Sodium in Developing Chick Embryo, Gallus Gallus domesticus (Linn, 1758)

Abstract

Diclofenac sodium, a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is an acetic acid derivative with generic name Diclofenac. NSAIDs represent some of the oldest medicines with recorded history of use of people. However, it is also known to inhibit implantation and embryonic development in rats and mammals. It is widely prescribed in India to women of child bearing age for the treatment of various conditions including arthritis, masculo-skeletal pain etc. Research has shown that it also crosses human placenta readily and potentially teratogenic. The present study focuses on assessing the embryonic development in chick under varied dosages of diclofenac sodium at different developmental stages. The results showed teratogenic effects such as omphlaocoele, reduced body size, delay in hatchability and angiogenesis with irregular heartbeats.