Effects of Administration of Vitamin A to Pregnant Dams on the Skin of the Fetuses of Albino Mice

The study investigated the effects of retinoic acid (RA) on fetal skin when administered to pregnant albino mice. Twelve pregnant mice were divided into two groups, with the experimental group receiving 60 mg/kg/day of RA orally on days 7, 8, and 9 of gestation. Histological examination of the fetal skin from the RA-treated group revealed increased keratinocyte proliferation, resulting in more epidermal cell layers and greater epidermal thickness. Additionally, RA inhibited hair follicle development, which appeared as rudimentary buds in the dermis. The findings suggested that RA usage during pregnancy should be approached with caution due to its significant impact on fetal skin development.