Vergil H. Ferm

Teratogenic Effect of Cadmium and its Inhibition by Zinc

DURING a study of the teratogenic effects of heavy metals on mammalian embryos, we have been able to produce severe developmental malformations in golden hamster embryos by the intravenous injection of 2 mg/kg of cadmium sulphate into pregnant mothers on the eighth day of gestation. These malformations consisted of a specific effect on the face and upper jaw, ranging from a simple mid-line cleft to almost complete obliteration of normal facial architecture. A few other malformations apparently also induced by cadmium in this dose were occasionally found. These consisted of anophthakmia, digital and other limb defects, rib fusions and exencephaly. The simultaneous administration of 2 mg/kg zinc sulphate almost completely inhibited this marked teratogenic effect of cadmium. The particular susceptibility of the germinal epithelium of the testis and the rodent placenta to the toxic effects of cadmium has been described1,2. This toxic effect of cadmium has been attributed to alterations in the endothelium of the vascular beds in these affected organs2,3.

Interrelationships of Selenium, Cadmium, and Arsenic in Mammalian Teratogenesis

Cadmium sulfate and sodium arsenate injected into pregnant hamsters are independently teratogenic. Sodium selenite which is not teratogenic under similar conditions does provide significant protection against the malformations induced by cadmium or arsenic when injected simultaneously with either of these teratogens. The effect of a time interval between the injection of cadmium and selenium revealed that the protective effect of selenium was still marked at a 30-minute interval but decreased markedly at two- to four-hour intervals. At the 30-minute interval the protective effect was more marked when the selenium was injected first rather than the reciprocal method.

Developmental malformations resulting from the administration of lead salts

Abstract Specific congenital-skeletal malformations have been induced in hamster embryos by treatment of the pregnant hamster with various salts of lead. These malformations were primarily localized within the developing sacral and tail vertebrae and were characterized by varying degrees of tail malformations ranging from stunting to complete absence of the tail. Minor degrees of this malformation are compatible with life and the fertility of several affected newborns which have been reared to adulthood does not appear to be affected.

Congenital Anomalies Induced in Hamster Embryos with H-1 Virus

Intravenous injection of H-1 virus into pregnant hamsters early in gestation produces an embryocidal and teratogenic effect. The congenital malformations, the presence of inclusion bodies in the fetuses, and the fact that the maternal animals are not affected by this virus, are points of similarity to the teratogenic effects of rubella virus and cytomegalic-inclusion disease virus in man.

Embryopathic effects of mercuric salts

Abstract Various doses of mercuric acetate and phenylmercuric acetate were administered intravenously to anesthetized pregnant golden hamsters early on the eighth day of gestation in order to study their potential teratogenicity in this species. Fetuses removed from the females on either the twelfth or fourteenth day of gestation exhibited a delayed growth rate and varying degrees of a dorsally localized subcutaneous edema. All doses of mercuric acetate and the three larger doses of phenylmercuric acetate also induced resorption rates significantly higher than the control level of 4%. A small number of miscellaneous abnormalities including: exencephaly, encephalocele, anophthalmia, microphthalmia, cleft lip and palate, rib fusions and syndactylia were also observed in the fetuses from the treated females. Both mercurials also produced the following manifestations of toxicity in the maternal system: weight loss, kidney lesions, diarrhea, slight tremor and somnolence.

The teratogenic profile of sodium arsenate in the golden hamster.

The spectrum of developmental malformations resulting from the injection of dibasic sodium arsenate into pregnant golden hamsters varies with the time of injection during the critical stages of embryogenesis. However, the spectrum reveals a group of malformations, including anencephaly, renal agenesis, and rib malformations which are quite different from the spectrum of developmental anomalies induced by other teratogenic agents, including certain heavy metals.

Teratogenic and embryopathic effects of indium, gallium, and germanium

Abstract Indium nitrate, germanium trioxide, and gallium sulfate were injected intravenously incincreasing amounts into pregnant hamsters on day 8 of gestation. The embryos were recovered 4, 5, or 6 days later, and the numbers of embryonic resorption sites were recorded. The embryos were examined for gross congenital malformations, and some were stained with alizarin red for skeletal study. In these experiments indium caused a high incidence of malformations of the digits of the extremities including fusion, stunting, and, in a few instances, polydactyly. At doses above 1 mg/kg it was completely embryopathic, killing all embryos in utero . The embryos tolerated higher dosages of germanium and gallium, and although some embryos died from the effects of these drugs, only four congenital malformations were noted in these groups. Although no presently known biological qualities of indium can explain this site-specific teratogenic effect it is suggested that indium may play an important role in some metalloenzyme necessary for limb bud differentiation.

Somite necrosis and developmental malformations induced by vitamin A in the golden hamster

Poetry was very important for Arabs in Cahiliyye period. Tribe wars first started with poetry and continued with sword. In Quran that has come to a society which poetry is very important has some verses relating to poetry and poets. In this article, these verses are evaluated and based on these, Quran’s perception of poets is tried to be determined.

Synergistic teratogenic effects of arsenic and hyperthermia in hamsters

Abstract Similar malformations of the central nervous system including encephaloceles and exencephaly are induced by treatment of pregnant hamsters with sodium arsenate or hyperthermia on the eight day of gestation. These two treatments are synergistic in that combinations of minimal teratogenic levels of each cause a marked increase in fetal resorptions and the frequency and severity of developmental malformations as compared to separate treatments. The possible relationship of maternal hyperpyrexia and environmental teratogens to congenital malformations is discussed.

Effect of cadmium on F-actin and microtubules of Madin-Darby canine kidney cells.

The effect of cadmium on F-actin and microtubules of Madin-Darby Canine Kidney cells was studied by cytochemical methods. A 6-hr exposure to cadmium (10 microns) in a buffered salt solution resulted in the breakdown of actin filaments, particularly those associated with both the stress fibers and the lateral membranes in areas of intercellular contact. Microtubules were not dramatically altered during this exposure period and cell viability, determined by trypan blue exclusion, was similar to controls. The effect of cadmium on actin was reversible if the cells were returned to culture medium. The results indicate that one possible mechanism of cadmium toxicity is via an effect on the organization of actin filaments.