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Embryopathic effects of caffeine in the chick
Experimental Pathology
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Caffeine exposure during early embryonic development in chick eggs caused significant birth defects and increased mortality. These findings suggest caution with caffeine consumption during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Developmental toxicology
- Teratology
- Avian embryology
Background:
- Caffeine's teratogenic potential is a growing concern.
- Rodent models are common for caffeine teratogenicity studies.
- Non-mammalian models for caffeine teratogenicity are underutilized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the teratogenic effects of caffeine in a non-mammalian vertebrate model.
- To assess the impact of caffeine on chick embryo development at different incubation stages.
Main Methods:
- Fertile White Leghorn chick eggs were injected with varying doses of caffeine (100–1,100 µg/egg) or sterile water.
- Injections were administered at 48, 72, or 96 hours of incubation.
- Embryos were examined on day 9 for external malformations, staging, and weight.
Main Results:
- Caffeine doses of 400 and 1,100 µg at 48 hours incubation significantly increased malformations (e.g., microphthalmia, exencephaly).
- High caffeine doses (1,100 µg at 48h; 400–700 µg at 72h) led to significant embryonic mortality.
- Embryonic growth was not significantly affected by caffeine treatment.
Conclusions:
- Caffeine exposure during critical early developmental windows in chick embryos can induce teratogenic effects and mortality.
- While direct extrapolation to humans is limited, results support recommendations for moderate caffeine intake during pregnancy.