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Embryotoxicity of industrial chemicals on the chicken embryo: dithiocarbamates
Abstract:
Seven dithiocarbamates and three acetates were tested for teratogenicity and lethality in three-day chicken embryos. These included: cadmium diethyldithiocarbamate (CdDE), zinc diethyldithiocarbamate (ZnDE), zinc ethylphenyldithiocarbamate (ZnEP), zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate (ZnDB), copper dimethyldithiocarbamate (CuDM), tellurium diethyldithiocarbamate (TeDE), and piperidine pentamethylenedithiocarbamate (PPM), cadmium acetate (CdAC), copper-(II)acetate (CuAC), and zinc acetate (ZnAC). The parameters measured were early deaths, recorded within two days of injection, late deaths of malformed embryos, late deaths of nonmalformed embryos, and malformed survivors. The order of embryotoxicity decreased as follows: CdAC greater than CdDE greater than ZnDE greater than or equal to ZnEP greater than or equal to ZnDB greater than CuDM greater than TeDE greater than CuAC greater than PPM greater than ZnAC. The only exception to this order was the relatively weak teratogenicity of the metal acetates as compared to dithiocarbamates. Cadmium and zinc dithiocarbamates were potent embryotoxic agents eliciting lethality and malformations at doses of 1 to 10 nmole per egg. Most embryonic deaths occurred at stages 29 to 31, and most of the dead embryos were malformed.
Insights
Metal dithiocarbamates, particularly cadmium and zinc compounds, showed potent embryotoxicity, causing lethality and malformations in chicken embryos. Metal acetates were significantly less teratogenic.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Developmental Toxicology
- Chemical Safety
Background:
- Dithiocarbamates and acetates are widely used industrial chemicals.
- Assessing the developmental toxicity of these compounds is crucial for risk evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the teratogenicity and lethality of seven dithiocarbamates and three metal acetates in chicken embryos.
- To establish a comparative order of embryotoxicity for these chemical compounds.
Main Methods:
- Three-day chicken embryos were exposed to various dithiocarbamates and acetates.
- Parameters assessed included early and late embryonic deaths, malformations, and survivor status.
Main Results:
- Cadmium diethyldithiocarbamate and zinc dithiocarbamates were potent embryotoxic agents, causing lethality and malformations at low doses.
- Metal acetates exhibited significantly weaker teratogenic effects compared to dithiocarbamates.
- Embryotoxicity order: CdAC > CdDE > ZnDE ≥ ZnEP ≥ ZnDB > CuDM > TeDE > CuAC > PPM > ZnAC.
Conclusions:
- Dithiocarbamates, especially cadmium and zinc variants, pose a significant risk of developmental toxicity.
- Metal acetates are relatively safe concerning teratogenicity in avian embryos.
- Further research into the mechanisms of dithiocarbamate-induced embryotoxicity is warranted.