All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) has beneficial and teratogenicity effects when used in a variety conditions. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of ATRA on the Progenitors of red blood cell and platelets in rat's embryo. Single oral dose (100 mg/kg) of ATRA was administered to rat on gestation day (GD) 10 and fetuses were observed on GD 18 and compared with untreated group. In the experimental embryos of GD 18, the mean number of red blood cells (RBC, 10.5%) and platelets

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... umber (15%) were decreased. There was a significant relationship in RBC and platelets count. The mean diameter of RBC and nucleated red blood (NRBC) were compared in two groups. There was no significant relationship between experimental and control groups, except in NRBC diameter. Thus, the present data shows that ATRA may have negative effects on proliferation, differentiation and maturation of erythroid cells and platelets, without having any deleterious effects on the dimenation of RBC.