Teratogenic and radiosensitizing effects of misonidazole on mouse embryos.

Abstract

Teratogenesis, mutagenesis and carcinogenesis are among the most notable radiation effects in man. There is a continued need to find correlation between these biological responses and also to assess the effects or risks of the combined action of radiation and chemicals. Using the embryonic development of mice as a test system we are investigating the efficacy of low-dose irradiation and the possible influence of drugs on radiation-induced developmental anomalies (Michel and Fritz-Niggli, 1978). Embryonic cells and tissues are known to be particularly sensitive to radiation, drugs and stress and show some similarities to tumour cells with regard to metabolic functions such as cell proliferation, energy production and immunological response. Therefore data from the modification of radiation effects by drugs or chemicals in this experimental system may also be of practical relevance in the field of radiosensitization in radiotherapy. Moreover these data are important for risk estimations and radiological pro...