Possible usefulness of Burmese newt, Tylototriton verrucosus Anderson, in teratogenesis studies
Thant-Shima, M.; Nakamura, A.; Shimazu, H.; Murao, S.; Sugiyama, T.
Kobe Journal of Medical Sciences 25(4): 193-204
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0023-2513 PMID: 522427 Document Number: 150704
A newt system was introduced in teratogenicity tests for chemical mutagens. This newt is T. verrucosus, imported from Burma. Two couples of this species delivered about 4000 fertilized eggs in our laboratory conditions. A high incidence of structural abnormalities were induced in the regenerated hind-limbs when 5 .mu.g/g body weight of 2-(2-furyl)-3-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-acrylamide AF2 , Mitomycin C and 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide was injected i.p. 3 times every other day starting on the next day of limb amputation. Various abnormalities such as polydactyly, syndactyly, oligodactyly and branched toes were induced and easily recognized on X-ray figures. The incidence of limb abnormalities was highest when AF2 was administered on day 6 after the amputation. The high reproductivity of the animals in the laboratory conditions, strong power to regenerate, similarity of limb structure to human hands, easy handling and easy recognition of abnormalities suggest that this system is useful for teratogen screening.