Effect of acetazolamide on calcium accumulation by the developing chicken embryo

The injection of 10 mg of acetazolamide into fertile chicken eggs on the 16th or 17th day of incubation resulted in a decreased accumulation of calcium by the developing embryo. A dose of 1 mg of acetazolamide did not affect embryonic calcium content. Although the eggshell serves as the primary source of calcium for the embryo, acetazolamide did not influence eggshell mobilization as measured by the release of 45Ca from labeled eggshells. Acetazolamide did decrease bone formation resulting in a statistically significant reduction in tibia dry weight and calcium content.