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Embryonic susceptibility of Microtus ochrogaster (common prairie vole) to phenyl mercuric acetate
Abstract:
Pregnant M. ochrogaster received single intraperitoneal (i.p.) doses of 0.06, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1,2, or 5 mg phenyl mercuric acetate (PMA/kg of body weight on day 8, 9, or 10 of gestation or 0.5 mg PMA/kg on day 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 of gestation. No toxicity was exhibited, and no abnormal fetuses were observed in any group. An embryocidal effect that depended on dose and stage of development was determined by increased numbers of resorption sites; resorption sites were dose-dependent, and the embryocidal effect decreased as the embryo matured. A dose of 0.06 mg PMA/kg of body weight produced no resorptions when given on day 8 or day 10 of gestation; 0.125 mg/kg produced no resorptions if given on day 10; 0.5 mg/kg resulted in live fetuses and resorptions in the same uterus when given on days 7 through 11; the same dose on day 12 produced all live fetuses; and 1, 2, or 5 mg PMA/kg given on day 8, 9, or 10 of gestation caused total embryo resorption. The i.p. LD50 of PMA in Microtus ochrogaster adult females was 10 mg/kg of body weight.
Insights
Phenyl mercuric acetate (PMA) exposure during pregnancy in M. ochrogaster caused embryo resorption, with effects dependent on dose and developmental stage. Higher doses led to total embryo resorption, while lower doses showed no impact at later stages.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive toxicology
- Developmental biology
- Environmental health
Background:
- Phenyl mercuric acetate (PMA) is a known toxicant.
- Understanding the reproductive and developmental effects of environmental toxicants is crucial for public health.
- The prairie vole (M. ochrogaster) is a relevant model organism for studying mammalian reproduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the embryocidal effects of phenyl mercuric acetate (PMA) in pregnant prairie voles (M. ochrogaster).
- To determine the dose-dependent and stage-specific toxicity of PMA during gestation.
- To establish the LD50 of PMA in adult female M. ochrogaster.
Main Methods:
- Pregnant M. ochrogaster were administered single intraperitoneal doses of PMA ranging from 0.06 to 5 mg/kg at various stages of gestation (days 7-12).
- Dams were monitored for signs of toxicity, fetal abnormalities, and embryo resorption.
- The LD50 was determined in adult female M. ochrogaster.
Main Results:
- No maternal toxicity or fetal abnormalities were observed at any dose tested.
- Embryo resorption was dose-dependent and stage-specific, decreasing as embryonic development progressed.
- Doses of 1, 2, or 5 mg/kg PMA on gestation days 8-10 resulted in total embryo resorption.
- A dose of 0.5 mg/kg PMA on gestation day 12 resulted in all live fetuses.
Conclusions:
- Phenyl mercuric acetate exhibits significant embryocidal effects in M. ochrogaster, contingent upon the dose and the stage of embryonic development.
- The timing of exposure is critical, with earlier gestation periods being more vulnerable to PMA's toxic effects.
- The LD50 for adult female M. ochrogaster was determined to be 10 mg/kg body weight.