Salicylate-induced fetal death and malformations in two mouse strains.

Abstract

SummarySodium salicylate was given i.m. in a single dose on one gestation day (9th, 11th, 13th, 15th or 17th) to pregnant primiparous mice of A/Jax and CBA strains and of their reciprocal crossings. The incidence of fetal death and resorption and of vessel and skeletal anomalies induced in the fetuses was estimated on the 18th day of pregnancy.Fetal resorption rate increased steadily the later sodium salicylate was given in pregnancy, in the A/Jax strain, as well as in the litters of A/Jax females mated with CBA males. In the CBA strain and in the litters of CBA females mated with A/Jax males, on the contrary, the resorption rate was low even after injection in late pregnancy.Vessel anomalies were observed in the highest incidence after injection on the 15th gestation day, whereas anomalies of ribs and vertebrae showed the highest incidence after injection on the 9th day. In these respects as well, the A/Jax strain as A/Jax females mated with CBA males were observed to be the most susceptible.The present results indicate that, in the suggested drug tests for teratogenic action, the drug should also be given after the organogenetic period, and that special attention should be focused on fetal lethality. The mechanisms underlying the salicylate‐induced fetal damage are discussed.