Abortifacient effect of decreased decidual and placental galectin-1 expression due to metoclopramide exposure in pregnant rats

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the abortifacient effect of metoclopramide on decidual and trophoblastic tissues with immunohistochemical investigation of galectin-1 expression in pregnant rats. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 24 pregnant rats were selected for the study and divided into 3 groups as untreated, low-dose (1 mg/kg) metoclopramide applied, and high-dose (3 mg/kg) metoclopramide applied from days 5-15 of pregnancy. All rats were laparotomized on day 19 of pregnancy, and number of implantation sites, resorption, and dead or alive fetuses were recorded for evaluating abortifacient activity. Galectin-1 expression was investigated from decidual and trophoblastic tissues via immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: The mean percentage of abortion was detected higher in the high-dose group than both control and low-dose groups. Galectin-1 staining was more intense and universal in the untreated group than both high- and low-dose metoclopramide exposed groups in labyrinth trophoblasts and decidual tissue. CONCLUSION: Metoclopramide exposure, especially in high doses, may cause abortion, and this drug should be recommended for use during pregnancy only when the benefit outweighs the risk.