Teratogenic effects of the demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine in the Swiss Webster mouse

Stacy Branch, Bettina M. Francis, Cecil F. Brownie, Neil Chernoff

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (d-AZA) replaces cytidine in DNA thereby altering gene expression by passively removing methyl groups. This study determined the temporal patterns of morphological defects induced by d-AZA in mice, The dosages (0, 0.3, or 1.0 mg/kg) were administered by a single i.p. injection on gestational days (GD) 8, 9, 10, or 11. Mice were killed on GD 17 and fetal skeletons examined. The 1.0 mg/kg dose elicited characteristic defects for each treatment day: GD 8, supernumerary ribs, (significantly above background), fused vertebrae and ribs; GD 9, cleft palate and vertebral variations; GD 10, hind limb defects (especially phocomelia); GD 11, digital defects of fore and hindlimbs. The known demethylating ability of d-AZA coupled with the induction of longbone defects only in the hindlimbs suggests that d-AZA may act by disrupting specific hindlimb gene function through DNA hypomethylation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)37-43
Number of pages7
JournalToxicology
Volume112
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 1996

Keywords

  • 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (DNA demethylating agent)
  • Intraperitoneal injection
  • Limb defects
  • Swiss Webster (CD-1) mice
  • Teratogenicity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Toxicology

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