Effects of Mitomycin C Treatment before Implantation on Development of Mouse Embryo

Abstract

Abstract ICR mice were treated intraperitoneally with mitomycin C (MMC) at a single dose of l‐5mg/kg on day 0, 1, 2 or 3 of pregnancy (vaginal plug = day G). Embryotoxicity and teratogenicity were examined at term.A dose‐dependent increase in fetal mortality and decrease in the number of implants, fetal weight or number of ossified sacral and caudal vertebrae were observed. The incidence of external malformation, umbilical hernia, significantly increased among the fetuses of dams treated with MMC at 5mg/kg on day 1, 2 or 3. Skeletal malformation failed to show significant increase though some fetuses from MMC‐treated mice were attended with multiple defects such as fusion of ribs or axial skeleton.Maternal contribution to and the direct action of MMC on embryonic development were investigated by embryo transfer. In regard to malformation inducement and decrease in implants, the maternal environment was found to have more significant effect than the direct action of this drug but both these factors are significantly responsible for increased fetal mortality and growth retardation.