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Developmental abnormalities in chicken embryos exposed to N-nitrosoatrazine
Nikita Joshi1, Martha G Rhoades, Gregory D Bennett
1a Department of Environmental , Agricultural and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , Nebraska , USA.
Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Part A
|October 31, 2013
Summary
N-nitrosoatrazine (NNAT), a compound found in drinking water, caused significant developmental abnormalities and embryo lethality in chicken embryos. These findings highlight potential risks of NNAT exposure during embryogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Developmental biology
- Chemical risk assessment
Background:
- Nitrate and atrazine (ATR) are common in drinking water and can form N-nitrosoatrazine (NNAT).
- NNAT is suspected to be more toxic than its precursors.
- Existing research links nitrate and nitrosatable compounds to increased risks of congenital defects and embryo lethality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the embryotoxic potential of N-nitrosoatrazine (NNAT).
- To determine if NNAT exposure induces developmental abnormalities and lethality in chicken embryos.
Main Methods:
- Fertilized chicken eggs were treated with varying doses of NNAT (0.06-3.63 μg).
- Embryos were incubated for 5 days (Hamburger and Hamilton stage 27).
- Embryos were examined for lethality and specific malformations.
Main Results:
- 90% of NNAT-exposed embryos survived the 5-day incubation period.
- 23% of surviving embryos exhibited significant malformations.
- Observed defects included heart and neural-tube abnormalities, caudal regression, gastroschisis, microphthalmia, anophthalmia, and craniofacial hypoplasia.
Conclusions:
- N-nitrosoatrazine (NNAT) exposure demonstrably induces embryotoxicity, including malformations and lethality.
- The study supports the hypothesis that NNAT poses a developmental risk.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms of NNAT-induced embryotoxicity.
