Skeletal malformations induced by the insecticides ZZ-Aphox and Folidol during larval development of Rana perezi.

Tadpoles of Rana perezi were kept for 14 weeks in water containing two sublethal levels of the carbamate insecticide ZZ-Aphox or the organophosphate Folidol. Approximate concentrations of their active ingredients were 0.25 and 1 mg/L. Resulting malformations were studied by skeletal analysis and histological and histochemical investigation of te rear limbs of the tadpoles. The pesticides caused the animals to have malformations of the spinal column (scoliosis) and/or limbs (short and thick long bones with the epiphyses grossly twisted). Histochemical study showed differences in the composition of the connective matrix, and microscopic examination of the long bones indicated alterations in the thickness of the uncalcified bone matrix (osteoid) and the presence of abundant vascularised connective tissue in the region of the periosteum. The results confirmed changes in the composition of the connective tissue matrix as the cause of the defects observed in bone formation which are also discussed in relation to vitamin D absorption and calcium homeostasis.