Utilizing chick embryo in ovo model system to study the effects of misoprostol on early embryogenesis - a pilot study

Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analogue used for a variety of indications in medical practice including medication of abortion.1 In addition to therapeutic usage, an unsupervised and illegal self-induction trend of Misoprostol administration has promoted its use as an illegal abortifacient.2 It is reported that 15% of misoprostol-induced-abortions may not be successful, even under medical supervision. This leads to in utero exposure of the drug to the developing fetus.3 It is scientifically claimed that use of misoprostol with failure to abort may be linked to birth defects suggesting an 8-10% risk of abnormalities among women who use misoprostol and experience abortion failure.4