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Teratogenic effects of suramin on the chick embryo
Jörg Männer1, Wolfgang Seidl, Franziska Heinicke
1Department of Embryology, Georg-August-University of Göttingen, Kreuzbergring 36, 37075, Göttingen, Germany. maenner.tj@gmx.de
Abstract:
Suramin, a polysulfonated naphthylamine, has been used for the chemotherapy of trypanosomiasis and onchocerciasis since about the 1920s. Currently, it is also being tested as an anticancer agent. It is hoped that suramin might stop the progression of some kinds of cancer since it has been found to inhibit the proliferation and migration of cells and the formation of new blood vessels. These processes are not only essential for the development and progression of cancer, but also for normal embryonic development. Suramin might, therefore, be a potent teratogen. In the literature, however, we have found only scant information on this subject. In the present study, we demonstrate the teratogenic effects of suramin on chick embryos. Suramin was injected into the coelomic cavity of chick embryos on incubation day (ID) 3. Following reincubation until ID 8, suramin-treated embryos ( n=50) were examined for congenital malformations and compared with a control group ( n=30). The survival rate of suramin-treated embryos was markedly reduced compared with controls (50% vs 90%). Among the 25 survivors the following malformations were recorded: caudal dysgenesia (100%), median facial clefts with hypertelorism (92%), malformations of the aortic arch arteries (88%), hypo-/aplasia of the allantoic vesicle (84%), microphthalmia (52%), abnormalities of the great arterial trunks (44%), unilateral or bilateral cleft lips (40%), heart defects with juxtaposition of the right atrial appendage (36%), persistence of the lens vesicle (32%), median clefts of the lower beak (8%), omphalocele (4%), and cloacal exstrophy (4%). These results show that suramin is a potent teratogen. The possible implications of our findings for human beings and the possible teratogenic mechanisms of suramin are discussed. Use of suramin in experimental teratology might help to clarify the morphogenesis of median facial clefts and of some congenital heart defects.
Insights
Suramin, used for parasitic infections and cancer, is a potent teratogen. This study found suramin causes severe birth defects in chick embryos, including facial clefts and heart abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Suramin is an established drug for trypanosomiasis and onchocerciasis.
- Suramin is under investigation as an anticancer agent due to its anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic properties.
- The potential teratogenic effects of suramin are not well-documented, despite its interference with embryonic development processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the teratogenic potential of suramin in a developing organism.
- To characterize the types and prevalence of congenital malformations induced by suramin exposure in chick embryos.
Main Methods:
- Chick embryos were exposed to suramin via coelomic cavity injection on incubation day 3.
- Embryos were examined on incubation day 8 for survival rates and congenital malformations.
- A control group of embryos was maintained under identical conditions without suramin treatment.
Main Results:
- Suramin significantly reduced embryo survival rates (50% vs. 90% in controls).
- Survivors exhibited a high incidence of severe malformations, including caudal dysgenesia (100%), median facial clefts (92%), and aortic arch artery defects (88%).
- Other observed defects included hypo-/aplasia of the allantoic vesicle, microphthalmia, heart defects, and cleft lips.
Conclusions:
- Suramin is a potent teratogen, inducing a wide spectrum of congenital malformations in chick embryos.
- The findings highlight the potential risks of suramin exposure during embryonic development.
- Further research using suramin in experimental teratology may elucidate mechanisms underlying facial clefts and congenital heart defects.