Vitamin A was intramuscularly injected into ddN mice daily for 4 days from 11th day of pregnancy to investigate for teratogenic effect on the embryo. Also effects of vitamin A (10, 000 units, given in 4 days) on the adrenal of male mice were observed.
1) Malformations were observed in 71.21% of living embryos ft om 10, 000 unit group-tetradactylia of the hindlimb 39.3%, that of the forelimb 7.4%, syndactylia of the hindlimb 38.1%, that of the forelimb 7.4%, cleft palate 34.0%, crooked tail 2.1%, and encephalocele 1.03%.
2) Malformations were produced in 8.25% of living embryos of 5, 000 unit group-tetradactylia 2.06%, syndactylia 5.15%, and crooked tail 1.03%.
3) No malformations developed in 2, 000 unit group.
4) In 10, 000 and 5, 000 unit groups, hyperplasia of cartilage was noted in the nasal septum.
5) Male mice given 10, 000 units seemed to show adrenocortical hyperfunctlon. As the consequence, vitamin A is considered to have not only direct teratogenic action, but also indirect effect through over-produced adrenocortical hormone.
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