Assessment of the developmental toxicity of ascorbic acid, sodium selenate, coumarin, serotonin, and 13-cis retinoic acid using FETAX

Drug Chem Toxicol. 1991;14(1-2):127-41. doi: 10.3109/01480549109017872.

Abstract

The developmental toxicity of five compounds was evaluated with the Frog Embryo Teratogenesis Assay: Xenopus (FETAX) and the results were compared to mammalian literature. Small cell Xenopus laevis blastulae were exposed to ascorbic acid, sodium selenate, coumarin, serotonin and 13-cis retinoic acid for 96 hr. Three separate static-renewal assays were conducted for each compound. Teratogenic potential of the test materials was determined based on Teratogenic Index values [TI = LC50/EC50 (malformation)], types and severity of induced malformations and embryo growth. Ascorbic acid had little or no teratogenic potential. Sodium selenate and coumarin tested as having moderately positive teratogenic potential. Serotonin scored as having moderately strong teratogenic potential and 13-cis retinoic acid scored as having strong teratogenic potential. Results were consistent with mammalian data and support the use of FETAX for the screening of developmental toxicants.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Drug-Induced*
  • Animals
  • Ascorbic Acid / toxicity*
  • Coumarins / toxicity*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Isotretinoin / toxicity*
  • Lethal Dose 50
  • Selenic Acid
  • Selenium / toxicity*
  • Selenium Compounds*
  • Serotonin / toxicity*
  • Xenopus laevis / embryology

Substances

  • Coumarins
  • Selenium Compounds
  • Serotonin
  • Isotretinoin
  • Selenium
  • Selenic Acid
  • Ascorbic Acid