[A morphohistochemical study of the embryotropic action of steroids with androgenic properties]

Morphohistochemical study of an embryotoxic and teratogenic action of acetate of androstenolone, acetate of 16-dehydropregnenolone, and methyltestosterone applied dayly to the skin of white rats during the entire course of gestation was carried out. A marked embryotoxic effect of acetate of androstenolone has been established. The teratogenic effect of the agents under study manifested itself in impairment of the processes of differentiation of structural elements of organs and tissues, or in rough underdevelopment of foetuses on the whole (following the exposure to acetate of androstenolone). In addition, a decrease in contents of nucleic acids and proteins in tissues, as well as some disorders of the carbohydrate metabolism in different organs and tissues were noted. The authors recommend to use histological and histochemical methods in investigations of embryotropic action of low doses of steroids.