title: Teratogenic effects of ethanol vapour exposure on chick embryos.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To observe the effect of ethanol vapours on chick embryos regarding developmental defects and hatchability characteristics.
  
  
  METHODS
  An experimental study was performed in the Department of Anatomy at the Regional Center of College of Physicians and Surgeons, Islamabad, from February, 2006 to February, 2007. Chicken eggs after having been exposed to ethanol vapours produced in a specially designed glass chamber, were dissected on day 7, day 10 and day 22 or on hatching and compared with age-matched controls. A breathalyzer was used for monitoring level of ethanol vapours inside the incubator.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results show that experimental group had comparatively more cases of delayed and assisted hatchings as well as growth retardation resulting into failure of retraction of yolk sac, as compared to the controls.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ethanol vapour exposure increases the risks of developmental defects with increasing embryonic age. Increased duration of exposure, causes delayed hatching and more assisted hatchings. Newly hatched alcohol exposed chicks showed diminished locomotor activity and poor balance.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Foundation University Medical College, Islamabad.
authors.forename: Kiran
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kamran
authors.forename: Muhammad Yunus
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: Liaqatali
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Minhas
mesh_terms: D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced; D000818:Animals; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*; D002642:Chick Embryo; D002645:Chickens / Q000254:growth & development; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*; D014835:Volatilization
chemical_list: D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D000431:Ethanol