[The influencing of blastogenesis and embryogenesis in rats through aminoacetonitrile]

The study was designed to determine the influence of the lathyrogenic substance aminoacetonitrile on blastogenesis and embryogenesis of the Wistar rat. 91 female Wistar rats, weighing from 190 through 380 g, received a single injection of 300 mg aminoacetonitrile (AAN)/kg body weight. Substance was given intraperitoneally on days 5, 7, 9, 11 or 13 of pregnancy. The detection of sperms in the vaginal smears was counted as day 1 post coitum. Animals were sacrificed on day 21 of pregnancy. The following parameters served as a base of interpretation: fetal body weight, numbers of implantations, resorptions, dead and living fetuses. Malformations were detected by outer inspection for gross anomalies, by the razor blade technique for internal malformations, and by skeletal preparations. All results were evaluated by statistical means. AAN influences pregnancy and fetal development. The rates of fetal resorptions are enhanced after application of AAN beyond the 7th day p. c. The maximum of fetal death is reached on day 11 p. c. There is no influence on the mean implantation number. With the exception of the 5th day of development AAN reduces the number of living fetuses. After application of AAN on day 13 p.c. the mean body weight decreases significantly. All over the investigated range malformations can be observed. Abnormalities of internal organs are frequent: Hydrocephalus, hydronephrosis, situs inversus. Malformations of the skeletal system are only observable on days 5, 7 and 9: sternal fissure, supernumerary ribs, destruction of the lumbar spine. AAN does not induce gross anomalies of the fetus.