Teratogenic effects of proline analogue L-azetidine-2-carboxylic acid in hamster fetuses.

The teratogenic effects of L-azetidine-2-carboxylic acid (LACA) were evaluated in hamsters. Single or multiple intraperitoneal injections of LACA were given on gestational days 7-12. Fetal weights were significantly reduced in several LACA-treated groups as compared to controls. The frequency of external anomalies was significantly higher than controls in only two LACA-treated groups: 7.2% in 600 mg/kg on day 12 and 9.6% in 200 mg/kg/day on days 10-12. Subcutaneous hemorrhage and cleft palate were the most frequently occurring externally visible defects. Skeletal anomalies such as retarded ossification, synchronous vertebral ossification and shortening of bones were found in a high percentage of LACA-treated fetuses. The major teratological effect of LACA appeared to be the retardation of skeletal development.