Abstract: 【ABSTRACT】 BACKGROUND ＆ AIM: To detect maternal and fetal toxicity of dehydroepiandrosterone(DHEA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: SD pregnant female rats were divided randomly into 5 groups,16 rats in each group.The rats in positive control group received aspirin 300 mg/kg and distilled water was given to rats as the negative control group.Three DHEA groups were treated with 10.4,20.8 and 41.7 mg/kg.The rats were given DHEA from 7 d to 16 d of pregnant continuously for 10 days, and were sacrificed on 20th d of pregnancy. Adverse effects on pregnant rats and fetuses were assessed. RESULTS: DHEA at 10.4 mg/kg caused miscarriages in pregnant rats, 20.8 and 41.7 mg/kg slowed down the weight increase of mother and fetuses, and slowed sternum growth. At 41.7 mg/kg visceral abnormality in fetuses increased.All three concentrations of DHEA decreased the number of living fetuses. CONCLUSION: DHEA had adverse effects in both pregnant rats and fetuses.

Key words: DHEA, reproductive toxicity, teratogenesis, miscarriage, rat