Abstract
Summary
An experimental model for successful chemical induction of microencephaly is described. Methylazoxymethanol, the aglycone of cycasin, when administered to rats at a dose of 20 mg/kg of body weight on day 14 or 15 of pregnancy, uniformly produces microencephaly in all litter mates. This effect occurs independent of the strain of rats used and is highly reproducible. The condition is not associated with microsplanchnia and appears to be limited to the cortical hemispheres of the brain. Preliminary pathologic studies indicate a marked cytotoxic effect of the chemical on the neuroblast. Gliomas have occurred in about 10% of microencephalic rats permitted to live beyond 1 year.
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