Action of lead on early divisions of the mouse embryo

The number of cells in mouse embryos 48 h after mating was studied in normal and lead-treated females (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1% of lead in the diet). The percentage of embryos in the 4-cell stage compared to those in the 8-cell stage increased after 0.125, 0.25 and 0.5% of dietary lead. After the highest dose an increase in nondivided eggs was also seen which occurred at the expense of 4-cell embryos. The different possibilities, delay of all divisions, delay of only the first division and action of lead on only a part of the embryonic population, are discussed.