Teratogenic effects of transplacental transfusion of heterologous antisera simulated in an experimental model using in vitro whole rat embryo culture.
The effects of the transplacental transfusion of heterologous rabbit-anti-rat antiserum (RAR antiserum) and subsequent immunological interaction on the development of 9-10 days old rat embryos (stages 8-10 somites) were studied using an in vitro whole rat embryo culture. Transplacental transfusion was simulated by the embryonic intracardiac microinjection of approximately 0.5 microliter RAR antiserum, followed by an incubation period of 24 and 48 hours. All the tested embryos survived the incubation period. Embryos taken from the incubator after 24 hours showed signs of growth retardation and axial non-rotation, a delayed closure of the neural tube and ear vesicle, and a delayed formation of the foregut. They also had a moderate number of areas with local pathogenetic cell degeneration. Embryos taken from the incubator after 48 hours demonstrated signs of growth retardation and incomplete axial rotation. The formation of the foregut and closure of the neural tube was complete, with the exception of one embryo with a persisting open neuroporus posterior. All embryos displayed a considerable number of areas with local pathogenetic cell degeneration. The intracardiac injection technique is an elegant method to test the effects of teratogens administered directly into the embryonic circulation. The results demonstrate that heterologous antisera have teratogenic potential, believed to be due to an immunological reaction, with a particular sensitivity of the neurectoderm in 9-10 day old embryos.
van der Zee
D C
DC
Department of General and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Poelmann
R E
RE
Zwierstra
R P
RP
Mentink
M M
MM
Vermeij-Keers
C
C
D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / Q000196:embryology*; D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple / Q000196:embryology*; D000818:Animals; D000910:Antibodies, Heterophile / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*; D001368:Axis, Cervical Vertebra / Q000002:abnormalities; D004423:Ear / Q000002:abnormalities; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000187:drug effects; D005124:Eye Abnormalities / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D008845:Microinjections; D008954:Models, Biological; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000139:chemically induced; D009924:Organ Culture Techniques; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
D000910:Antibodies, Heterophile