Abstract:

Objective To investigate the effects of all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) on the function of bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 (BMPR2) expression in embryonic palate. Methods Cleft palate mice model was established by atRA. On gestation day (GD) 15 and GD17, the pregnant mice were killed to obtain the embryos from the uteri. The embryonic palates were stained with hematoxylin-eosin,and the remaining sections were used for the immunohistochemistry of BMPR2 detection. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the expression levels of Bmpr2 mRNA. Results In the atRA-treated group, short extensions and failure to fuse with each other were observed. The positive expression of BMPR2 was detected in developing palatal process from GD 15 to GD 17 in the control group. Compared with those of the control group, BMPR2 protein and Bmpr2 mRNA decreased in the atRA-treated group (P<0.05). Conclusion The treatment of pregnant mice with retinoic acid produces small palatal shelves in their fetuses and down-regulates BMPR2 expressions.

Key words: bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2, retinoic acid, cleft palate