[Aminoacetonitrile and fetogenesis of the rat. I. Fetal toxicity and gross malformations (author's transl)].

We investigated the influence of the lathyrogenic compound aminoacetonitrile (AAN) on fetogenesis of the rat. In late pregnancy AAN induces nonspecific toxic effects resulting in hemorrhages, edema, disturbance of weight development, and severe interaction with viability. In fetogenesis AAN induces malformation rates of 100% by contrast with the developmental stages of blastogenesis and embryogenesis. Furthermore, the present paper deals with gross anomalies after application of AAN in fetogenesis. We observed: disturbances of outer body shape, micrognathia, wrist-drop, malrotation of hind extremities, kinked tails, humpback, cardial ectopia. The paper will consist of 4 parts dealng with anomalies of organ systems, skeletal abnormalities, the mechanisms of action of lathyrogenic compounds.