Nitrogen Mustard as a Teratogenic Agent in the Mouse.

Abstract

Experimental evidence shows that the "HN2" form of nitrogen mustard is teratogenic in mice. An amount too small to produce any apparent effect on a pregnant female injected intra-abdominally on the 10th-12th day of gestation produces pronounced effects on the young in utero. A brief summary of these effects is presented, with a more detailed discussion of the anomolies involving the feet. Some of these embryologically crippled young survive to maturity. A marked difference in response by the two sides of the body is noted, as well as a considerable degree of autonomy on the part of each limb, the left front foot being most often and most severely affected, the right front foot least often involved. Results obtained by other workers using a variety of similiar techniques are also cited.