Prolonged in vitro closure of the mouse secondary palate by salicylates

In organ culture sodium salicylate and acetylsalicylic acid in a 1.4 mM concentration caused prolongation of the time needed for the closure of the mouse secondary palate. The response of Strain A and the hybrids CBA X A was more distinct than that of Strain CBA. The mitotic rate, calculated from serial sections, was significantly reduced in the salicylate-treated shelves in both strains. The extrapolation of the results to an in vivo situation is discussed in the light of different theories of the mechanism of cleft palate formation.