Embryotoxic effects of chromium trioxide in hamsters

Chromium trioxide was administered iv at 5, 7.5, 10, and 15 mg/kg to pregnant golden hamsters early on the 8th gestation day. Fetuses were collected from the treated females on the 12th, 14th, and 15th gestation days and examined for the frequency and types of external, internal, and skeletal malformations. It is concluded that exposure of hamsters to this chemical form of a ubiquitous metallic element can kill fetuses in utero and produce edema and retardation as well as specific malformations in surviving fetuses. The most interesting malformations included cleft palate and defects in the ossification of the skeletal system. The results are discussed in relation to other teratogenic agents with particular emphasis on mechanisms of cleft palate formation.