Teratogenic effects of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea in the Syrian hamster.

Abstract

Summary N -Ethyl- N -nitrosourea (ENU) is a potent teratogen in the hamster with a specific effect on the eye as well as a broad spectrum of other malformations. For pregnant hamsters injected intraperitonally on Day 8 of pregnancy with 0.5 mmole ENU/kg body weight, severe malformations of the entire cephalic region and/or thorax are present early in fetal life which show up as resorptions late in fetal life; thus time of sacrifice is important to see the spectrum of malformations produced. In addition, ENU has a toxic effect on both the gravid female and the fetuses as measured by decreased body weight, fetal weight, and in utero fetal survival. Transplacental carcinogenesis was not associated with the treatment given at the time (Day 8) which resulted in maximum teratogenic response.