Ear malformations in the mouse embryo following maternal administration of triazene, with clinical implications

Triazene administration to 10-day pregnant mice gave rise to severe ear abnormalities, including middle ear ossicle malformations. The head of the malleus and the body of the incus were sometimes absent. In some instances, the stapes appeared dysplastic. The stapedial artery was often quite dilated, as well as other cephalic vessels, but qualitatively normal. Severe inner ear abnormalities were observed, as well as auditory nerve disruption, which was associated with central nervous system lesions. Multiple haematomas were present in the embryonic face, but ear abnormalities occurred even in the absence of local hemorrhages. We postulate a direct effect of the teratogen on the branchial mesenchyme. This model seems to be useful for the comprehension of human middle ear abnormalities, but does not constitute a phenocopy of hemicranial microscomia.