| Summary: | Introduction: Visual system is composed from different parts with different embryonicorigins. In the present study, the effect of oral morphine consumption on retina development ofthe Wistar rat embryo was investigated.Material and Methods: 40 female Wistar rats (250-300 g) were used. After mating, theembryonic zero day (E0) was determined and then the pregnant females were divided randomlyinto experimental or control groups. Controls received tap water whereas experiments receivedmorphine (0.05 mg/ml) in their waters. On the E17, pregnant females were killed and embryoswere removed and kept in formalin 10% for 30 days. Then, heads of the embryos were dissectedand processed by routine procedures. Sagittal sections of 5um were stained with haematoxylin–eosin and examined by using a light microscope and the Motic soft ware.Results: The retinal diameter was reduced in the experimental group. In addition, the granularand neural layers were fully developed in the control group, but they showed delayeddevelopments in the experimental group. At last, there were empty pores between cells in theexperimental group. Moreover, the plasma corticosterone levels were increased in theexperimental group.Conclusion: These results indicated that oral morphine consumption during pregnancy mayinduce defects in retina development in the rat embryo. This may be related to an increased inthe plasma corticosterone levels.
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