Abstract
The authors review current knowledge about the toxic actions of anticonvulsant drugs, and discuss in particular the interference of such drugs with metabolic functions and with the mechanisms of genetic information. Recalling their own earlier observations indicative of karyotype alterations (aneuploidy) in subjects exposed to anticonvulsants in utero as well as in others receiving these drugs directly, the authors describe the karyotype findings elicited in 20 children, ten being treated with phenobarbital and bipropylacetic acid, and the other ten with the same two drugs plus diphenylhydantoin. In the first group there was a significant increase of tetraploidy expressing failure of cytoplasmic division; and in the second group a likewise significant increase of aneuploidy, reflecting a more complex disturbance of genes involved in mitosis. The authors discuss the meaning of their observations, which amount to an increased rate of gene mutation under the influence of anticonvulsant drugs.
| Translated title of the contribution | Cytotoxic effects of anticonvulsant drugs |
|---|---|
| Original language | Italian |
| Pages (from-to) | 112-116 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Gaslini |
| Volume | 7 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 1975 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health