Reproduction in Rats Fed Lathyrus Peas or Aminonitriles

Abstract

L. odoratus peas and several Aminonitrile compounds chemically related to the active extract of the pea added to the diet of pregnant rats caused fetal death late in intrauterine life. Skeletal deformity with poor general development of mesodermal tissues was found routinely, with massive hemothorax from rupture of the thoracic aorta a frequent cause of death. No harmful effects were elicited by feeding these substances before the 17th day of gestation. L. odoratus peas in 50% dietary concentration did not affect fertility of adult male or female rats, and males showed no testicular atrophy after as long as 10 months on this diet. No toxic property was demonstrated in the milk of nursing females on the pea diet. The procedure employing pregnant rats proved to be a reasonably accurate and sensitive method for the toxicity assay of Aminonitriles. Aminoacetonitrile was the most toxic compound tested.