Malformations induced in the mouse by thalidomide

Abstract

Abstract Pregnant mice of Swiss ICR/Ha and the A/St and the C 3 H/He inbred strains were given thalidomide by oral intubation for four or five days beginning six or seven days postconception. Congenital anomalies including skeletal malformations were induced with doses of 31 to 250 mg of thalidomide per kg of body weight. Skeletal malformations of the long bones, head and trunk were seen in radiographs; soft tissue malformations were limited to structural malformations of the brain, seen in histological preparations. Because of the relatively small number of Swiss and C 3 H mice used, no attempt was made to discern the severity or pattern of malformations presented by each strain.