Teratogenic potential of inhaled carbon monoxide in mice and rabbits.

Pregnant CF-1 mice and New Zealand rabbits were exposed to carbon monoxide at a concentration of 250 ppm for 7 or 24 hours daily during the period of major organogenesis, days 6 through 15 of gestation in mice and 6 through 18 of gestation in rabbits. Carboxyhemoglobin levels in the range of 10--15% were observed in both species (control animals had 0.7% or less). Carbon monoxide was not found to be teratogenic in either species. In mice, a significant increase in the incidence of some minor skeletal variants was observed. One litter in each of the carbon monoxide-exposed groups of mice was completely resorbed; none of the litters of control mice or of control or exposed rabbits were completely resorbed. The fetuses of mice exposed to carbon monoxide for seven hours daily were heavier than control fetuses, and those exposed for 24 hours daily were lighter than control fetuses. The reason for this result is not known.