Complex Formation and Chemical Specificity of Boric Acid in Production of Chicken Embryo Malformations.

Abstract

Polyhydroxy compounds (D-ribose, pyridoxine hydrochloride, D-sorbitol hydrate), known to form complexes with boric acid, were tested for their effect on the teratogenic action of boric acid during development of the chicken embryo. It was found that complex formation reduces or abolishes the teratogenic qualities of boric acid. Tri-ethanolamine borate produced the same malformations as did boric acid. Injd. Na aluminate caused few developmental defects, but they seem to be related to those brought about by Bo compounds. Results support the working hypothesis that boric acid interferes with normal development by complex formation in ovo with polyhydroxy compounds, thereby producing symptoms resembling riboflavin deficiency. Additional evidence suggesting that in our material boric acid acted on coenzymes rather than on enzymes was presented earlier.