Neural tube lesions in the offspring of hamsters given single oral doses of lathyrogens early in gestation.
The lathyrogens aminoacetonitrile, D-penicillamine and semicarbazide were tested for their teratogenicity in hamster on day 7 of gestation at three different dose levels. The results showed that aminoacetonitrile and penicillamine were typical teratogens in hamsters, capable of causing significant embryotoxic effects consisting of increased fetal mortality, growth retardation and malformation. Semicarbazide at a dose of 100 mg/kg had only minor teratogenic effects, while slightly higher doses were lethal to the dams. The most severe fetal malformations following maternal exposure to aminoacetonitrile or penicillamine were exencephaly and encephalocele. Since lathyrogens inhibit the process of collagen cross-linking, the results of this study indicate that there may be an important relationship between collagen fiber formation in the embryo and neural tube closure.
D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced; D000097:Acetonitriles / Q000633:toxicity*; D000607:Aminoacetonitrile / Q000633:toxicity*; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000002:abnormalities; D006224:Cricetinae; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000187:drug effects*; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D010396:Penicillamine / Q000633:toxicity*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012663:Semicarbazides / Q000633:toxicity*; D013723:Teratogens
D000097:Acetonitriles; D012663:Semicarbazides; D013723:Teratogens; D000607:Aminoacetonitrile; D010396:Penicillamine