Eye anomalies induced by cyclophosphamide in rat fetuses

Different eye anomalies, e.g. open eye (lid-gap), exophthalmos, cataractous lens, anophthalmia, microphthalmia, corneal opacities and absent lens were induced in rat fetuses by maternal administration of cyclophosphamide on the 12-16th day of gestation. 63-90% of anomalies were found in groups treated between days 13 and 15 of gestation. The 14th day of gestation was found to be the most susceptible, inducing severe eye anomalies in 90% of fetuses treated at this age. Degenerative changes were seen in the lens and retina. The retinal cytoarchitecture was completely disorganised.