Skeletal malformations induced by mitomycin C in chick embryos

One hundred and eighty chick embryos were studied for the presence of skeletal malformations after administration of mitomycin C at 72, 96 and 120 hours of incubation. Axial skeleton defects included those of ribs, vertebrae, beak and crania. Appendicular skeletal defects were mainly confined to the lower limbs e.g. absence of phalanges, bent and shortened femur, fibula, tibia and metatarsus, in that order. Absence of phalanges and curved scapulae were noted in the upper limbs. The length of femur, tibia and metatarsus was significantly reduced (P less than 0.001) compared with the corresponding controls especially in the group treated at 96 h.