The Effect of Zinc and Vitamin D Nutrition on Reducing Morphine Side Effects and Development of Dental Anomalies in Rats Newborns

INTRODUCTION: The use of opioids such as morphine has anti-pain effects along with some side effects on body organs. Opioids such as morphine can be transferred from mother to child through the placenta and or breastfeeding. This study aimed to assess the effect of morphine on mineral content and histological changes of incisor teeth of rats born to morphine-addicted mothers. METHODS: In this experimental animal study, 24 pregnant rats were randomly divided into 6 groups of control, morphine, zinc, vitamin D, morphine plus zinc, and morphine plus vitamin D. After completion of the breastfeeding period, two babies were randomly selected among the newborns of each mother rat. Mineral content was analyzed using the Rontec device. The obtained data were analyzed by Newman-Keuls multiple comparisons test in Prism 5. RESULTS: Results showed a significant reduction in fluorine content in the experimental groups compared with the control group (P<0.05). The magnesium content in the experimental groups was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Microscopic assessment of the slides showed a significantly less enamel maturation in the experimental groups compared with the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Morphine use by mothers decreased the fluorine content of tooth structure and retarded the maturity of the enamel of infants.