Gravimetric Detection of Resorption of Embryos in Rats on Lathyrus Odoratus Diet

Abstract

The onset of the resorption process in rat embryos is difficult to determine macroscopically. Because differences in severity are a characteristic of the resorptive process, it is possible to detect its onset by means of weighing the individual embryos of a litter after their removal by Caesarian section. The weights of resorbing embryos show wide variation within a litter as compared to those of normally developing embryos. By this gravimetric method resorption in embryos of lathyrusfed animals can be detected on the 12th day after conception.