Sertraline-induced fetotoxicity in mice: Protective effects of vitamin E on foetal growth and organ histology.

Sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is widely used for treating depression and anxiety disorders, including during pregnancy, yet its potential effects on fetal development remain a concern. Oxidative stress is considered a possible mechanism for drug-induced developmental toxicity, suggesting antioxidant supplementation may mitigate such effects. Therefore, it is of interest to assess the fetotoxic potential of sertraline and the protective role of Vitamin E in eighteen pregnant Swiss albino mice divided into control, sertraline-treated (60 mg/kg/day) and sertraline + Vitamin E (100 mg/kg/day) groups. Treatments were given orally from gestational day 6-15, followed by evaluation of fetal growth and organ histopathology on day 19. Sertraline exposure significantly reduced fetal number, weight, crown-rump length and placental metrics, with marked cardiac, hepatic and renal alterations, while Vitamin E co- administration partly ameliorated these effects. Thus, we show oxidative stress in sertraline-induced fetal toxicity and demonstrating the partial protective potential of Vitamin E supplementation.