[Action of the herbicide Ramrod on the embryogenesis of white rats]

The embryotoxic and teratogenic activity of the acetanilide Ramrod is subjected to experimental testing. Studies are conducted on 103 white unbred female rats, to which the preparation was administered throughout the full gestation period, at doses 1/5, 1/10, 1/30 and 1/40 LD50. Following in reduction of the preparation, an increase in the total embryonal lethality was noted, conditioned entirely by the considerable rise, as compared to controls, of the pre-implantation deaths of embryos. The embryotoxic action of the preparation was furthermore manifested with a decrease in body weight and in the craniocaudal fetal sizes. Upon giving 1/5 and 1/10 LD50 Ramrod, a slight teratogenic effect was recorded. Ramrod at dose 1/40 LD50 exerted no effect whatsoever on embryogenesis.