Effect of exogenous corticosterone on chicken embryonic development.
Embryonic corticosterone (CS) levels were altered by dipping 3-day-old fertile Leghorn eggs in 0, .01, .05, and 1% CS dissolved in absolute ethanol. Mortality was determined by candling from Day 4 through hatch. Body weights and serum CS were measured daily from Day 14 until hatch. Embryos of eggs dipped in 1% CS in ethanol solution had reduced circulating CS. Embryo weights were reduced and mortality increased as concentration of hormone increased. A CS peak was observed just before hatch for control, .01 and .05% groups, but not for the .1% group. All embryos in the .1% treatment group died before hatch. The importance of embryonic CS for normal development and hatching was indicated.
Mashaly
M M
MM
Department of Poultry Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802.
D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D002642:Chick Embryo / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D003345:Corticosterone / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009026:Mortality
D003345:Corticosterone