[Embryotoxicity and teratogenicity of derivatives of 1,3-indandion (author's transl)]

The embryotoxicity and teratogenicity of 1,3-indandion and of 3 of its derivatives were proved. Pregnant SWS mice were given single i.p. injections on day 9 of gestation. A mixture of physiologic saline and TWEEN20 (3:1) was used as a solvent. The results refute the hypothesis of the action of thalidomide as an acylating agent responsible for the embryotoxic and teratogenic effect. The results favor instead the hypothesis of an intercalation of the flat purine-like molecule moieties of thalidomide and some of its analogues between base pairs of the DNA double helix.