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Hexavalent chromium-induced congenital abnormalities in chick embryos
Asmatullah1, S N Qureshi, A R Shakoori
1Department of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
Journal of Applied Toxicology : JAT
|July 31, 1998
Summary
Hexavalent chromium exposure caused dose-dependent embryonic death and severe malformations in chick embryos. This highlights chromium
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Developmental Biology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a known environmental toxicant.
- Understanding its developmental toxicity is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the embryotoxic and teratogenic effects of hexavalent chromium in a developing chick embryo model.
Main Methods:
- Aqueous solutions of potassium dichromate (a source of Cr(VI)) were injected into chick eggs at varying concentrations (1.00–100.00 μg/egg).
- Embryonic development was assessed on days 7 and 14 of incubation.
Main Results:
- A dose-dependent increase in embryonic mortality was observed.
- Survivors exhibited significant malformations, including reduced body/organ size, microphthalmia, micromelia, everted viscera, spinal and neck deformities, epicarditis, club foot, hemorrhage, and patchy feathers.
- Higher doses (25–100 μg/egg) led to total mortality with embryonic resorption.
Conclusions:
- Hexavalent chromium exhibits significant embryotoxic and teratogenic potential in chick embryos.
- The study demonstrates Cr(VI) as a potent developmental toxicant, inducing a spectrum of malformations and mortality.
- Findings underscore the need for stringent control of environmental chromium exposure to prevent developmental defects.