[Aminoacetonitrile and fetogenesis of the rat. II. Malformations of organ systems (author's transl)].

We investigated the action of the lathyrogenic compound aminoacetonitrile (300 mg/kg body weight) on fetogenesis of the Wistar rat. In a 1st section we dealt with influence on the outer body shape and common reproductive parameters (WENDLER and coworkers 1980). This 2nd section describes toxic effects on internal organs and malformations on organ systems detected by free-hand razor blade technique. Especially, we observed cardial ectopia, rupture of the ascendant aorta, situs inversus, hydrocephalia, hydronephroses, and dystopic kidneys. Enlargement of heart atria, and main thoracic veins, dilatations of salivary gland ducts and bronchial tree are considered to be nonspecific toxic effects of aminoacetonitrile.