Vincristine Sulphate Induced Ectodermal Dysplasias Chick Embryos

Abstract

Two hundred and forty nine eggs of the white leghorn were injected on day 3,4 and 5 their incubation, with 0.03 mgtkg egg weight, of vincristine sulphate. Most embryos were removed 24, 48 and 72 hours after administration and examined histologically. A few eggs were opened on day 18 of incubation. The results of this study indicate that the drug is embryo-lethal in a majority of chicks and those that survive the toxic effects of vincristine show pronounced neuro/ectodermal dysplasias. Malformations of the neural tube and neural crest with depigmentation of the feathers and their loose anchoring were observed. The possible mechanism of these dysplasias is discussed.