Anand Mishra, Mandavi Singh, Shamsher Shrestha, Uttam Shrastha, Amit Nayak , Amrita Kumari
ABSTRACT
Background- Efavirenz is a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor with a proven efficacy against HIV-1 virus. Continuous use of this drug has shown to cause cognitive impairment and memory defect.
Aims- The safety of efavirenz on fetus when given to mother is yet to be established. So in this experiment we try to observe the cognitive changes in offspring of mothers exposed to efavirenz in utero.
Methods- Efavirenz was given to pregnant mice in dose of 50 mg/kg and 100mg/kg and distilled water to control mice from 6th to 15th day of gestation by oral route. The mice were allowed to deliver and the pups were reared upto 8th week after which they were subjected to Morris water maze test.
Results- The efavirenz treated mice took significantly increased time to reach the hidden platform and thus exhibited a significant defect in spatial learning and memory.
Conclusion- Efavirenz causes cognitive changes in developing embryo if exposed during pregnancy.
Key words- cognitive, spatial learning, memory