Sayin M.Gurgen G.S.Sayin S.S.Guvenc G.Yuceer N.2025-04-102025-04-102019http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14701/47546AIM: To investigate the impact of rizatriptan on neural tube development using early chick embryos as a model organism. MATERIAL and METHODS: A total of 36 pathogen-free Leghorn chicken eggs were selected and categorized in three groups: sham, therapeutic, and supra-therapeutic. After 24 hours, the eggs were opened and injected with sterile drugs, and then reclosed using plastic tape. After a period of 72 hours, the eggs were opened and assessed using the Hamburger-Hamilton chick embryology classification method. TUNEL staining was used to identify apoptosis, and hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to investigate neural tube closure. RESULTS: Treatment with rizatriptan significantly slowed down neural tube development. The supra-therapeutic group showed neural tube closure defects. CONCLUSION: Rizatriptan had a negative effect on neural tube closure. Further research is needed to identify a safe and effective drug for treating migraines during pregnancy. © 2019 Turkish Neurosurgical Society.Article10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.23431-18.1