The effects of short-time caffeine administration on skeleton development in Wistar rats.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of caffeine on skeleton ossification in rats. Caffeine was administered in Tween 80 solution, once daily, in oral bolus, during the whole second trimester, in three doses: C1--0.7 mg/kg, C2--7.0 mg/kg, C3--70.0 mg/kg. On the 21st day of gestation the pumps were delivered. The fetuses were fixed in Bouin's solution and subsequently observed for external and internal malformation or in alcohol for skeleton malformation. The skeletons were stained with alizarin red-S. The examination showed an insignificant (P < 0.05) number of skeleton malformations, external haematomas and any internal malformations.