6-mercaptopurine-induced alterations in mineral metabolism and teratogenesis in the rat

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Abstract
The relationship between 6‐mercaptopurine‐induced alterations in mineral metabolism and the teratogenic effects of the drug were investigated. Pregnant Sprague‐Dawley rats were fed diets containing 4.5, 100, or 1,000 μg Zn per 1 g diet. On day 11 of gestation, dams were given intraperitoneal injections of 6‐mercaptopurine (27.5 mg/kg). At term, dams fed the 1,000‐μg Zn per 1 g diet showed fewer drug‐induced deleterious effects on reproduction and embryogenesis than did those fed lower levels of zinc. Mineral analysis of maternal and fetal tissues revealed pronounced effects of 6‐mercaptopurine on metabolism of zinc, copper, iron, calcium, and magnesium. The results of this study indicate that 6‐mercaptopurine teratogenesis may be due in part to drug‐induced changes in mineral metabolism.