Influence of ptaquiloside on the development of newborn mice

We attempted to induce neurological disorders in mice by a single administration of various doses of ptaquiloside (PT) within 24 h after birth. Animals which survived for a long period after treatment showed a reduction in body weight, but did not develop any gait disturbance. On the other hand, in treated animals which died before beginning to walk, karyorrhexis in the external granular layer of the cerebellum and karyorrhexis and rosette formation in the neuroblastic layer of the retina were present. In addition, treated animals showed karyorrhexis and great reduction in the number of the cells in the thymus, suggesting cytotoxic and cytolytic effects of alkylating agents on lymphocytes in this organ.