Lithium Ion in Cleft Palate Teratogenesis in CD 1 Mice 1

Abstract

Summary

The teratogenic effects of lithium on CD₁ mice were studied. A dose of 15.5 mg of lithium chloride monohydrate in sterile water (Injection U.S.P.) was given each day for 2 or 3 days on days 11 through 13 of pregnancy. The mice were sacrificed on day 17 of pregnancy. The uteri were examined for resorption sites and the fetuses for malformations. The incidence of cleft palate in the offspring of mice injected on days 11, 12, and 13 was 15.1%; on days 12 and 13, 7.2%; and on days 11 and 12, 3.4%. Since the incidence of spontaneous cleft palate is very low in these mice, a teratogenic effect of lithium salts has been demonstrated. There was also an increase in resorption sites. The pregnant mothers did not show any evident ill effects from the lithium salt at the dosage given.

The able technical assistance of Mrs. M. A. Wade and Messrs. G. Businaro and W. A. Stammer is gratefully acknowledged.