Developmental Toxicity of Aluminum from High Doses of AlCl3 in Mice

Aluminum (Al) has a significant toxic potential for humans. Although knowledge of Al toxicity has markedly improved in recent years, there is relatively little information regarding its embryotoxicity and teratogenic potential. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of short-term exposure of aluminum chloride (AlCl3) on the external abnormality of the fetuses of pregnant mice. Mature Naval medical research institute (NMRI) mice (24 to 33 g) were used in this study. Day 0 of gestation was defined as the day in which the vaginal plug was observed. Plug-positive mice were randomly divided in to six groups, each composed of 12 mice. To the first, second, and third groups, 150 mg/kg of AlCl3 was injected intraperitoneally on the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth days of gestation, respectively. Normal saline (0.3 mL) was injected in the mice in the control groups on the same days of gestation. Mice were killed on day 18 of gestation. Live fetuses were weighed and examined for external 02Karimpour-vol5no4 12/20/05 8:12 PM Page 575