[Embryotoxic and teratogenic effects of phenylmercuric acetate and methylmercuric chloride in hamsters, rats and rabbits]

Abstract

Embryotoxic and teratogenic effects of phenyl mercury acetate and methyl mercury chloride were studied on 66 pregnant females of golden hamster, 86 rats, and 62 rabbits. The mercury compounds were given by the stomach tube from the 5th to 12th days of pregnancy once or three times in single doses ranged from 1-6 to 1-2 DL50. The obtained results indicated to the embryotoxic effects of phenyl mercury acetate. This compound induced resorptions, dead foetuses, retardation of the development, diminished cranial ossification, edemata of the body, haematomas and open eyes. The methyl mercury chloride proved to be embryotoxic and teratogenic. The compound produced similar embryotoxic lesions as did phenyl mercury acetate and induced developmental malformations of the foetus (e.g.: encephalocele and hernia spinalis).