Embryotoxic and Teratogenic Effects of Nickel in Swiss Albino Mice during Organogenetic Period

Abstract

The present study evaluates potential hazardous of nickel (Ni+2 as NiCl2 ·6H2O) to Swiss albino mice fetus. Ni was administered orally on body weight base from days 6 to 13 of gestation period. Based on LD50, Ni doses (46.125, 92.25, and 184.5) mg Ni/kg b.wt. were used. On day 18 of gestation, uteri of the sacrificed dams were examined. A dose-dependent decrease (P < 0.01) in the body weight of the pregnant females and fetuses during the gestation period was observed. Number of implant sites and placental weight at all the three dose levels was lower compared with their respective control groups. Average number of live fetuses/dams reduced significantly (P < 0.01) at 184.5 mg Ni/kg b.wt. with concomitant increase in the percentage of postimplantation death and percentage of resorbed, macerated, and dead fetuses, respectively. Exposure increased the fetal malformations, namely, hydrocephaly, open eyelids, microphthalmia, exophthalmia, club foot, umbilical hernia, and skeletal anomalies. Reduced ossification of nasal, frontal, parietal, intraparietal, and supraoccipital bones, absence/gap between the ribs, reduced/fused sternebrae, vertebral centra, and caudal vertebrae, reduced pelvic elements, absence of carpals, metacarpals, tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges were distinct. This indicates vulnerability of the mice fetus to nickel during prenatal exposure.

Nickel: Human Health and Environmental Toxicology

“…The study of Saini et al [110] The results of these researchers indicate the vulnerability of the rats and mice fetus to nickel during prenatal exposure.…”

Heavy metal contamination of prenatal vitamins

“…The highest level in our prenatal vitamins was 34 μgm/day. Prenatal exposure in rats has been shown to cause facial, skeletal and eye malformations [ 47 , 48 ]. Excess Ni has been associated with some sensitivity such as contact dermatitis and a diet high in Ni may easily exceed the amount known to cause dermatitis flares [ 49 ].…”

Concise Review of Nickel Human Health Toxicology and Ecotoxicology

“…The most sensitive effect observed in rat studies was perinatal mortality, or an increased death rate of the offspring around parturition [138,141,142,145]. While no other developmental effects, including malformations (i.e., teratogenesis), were identified in a rat prenatal developmental toxicity study with water-soluble nickel chloride at the maximum tolerated dose of 42 mg Ni/kg bw/day [139,140], nickel chloride was shown to cause malformations (e.g., microphthalmia) in a prenatal developmental toxicity study in mice at 46 mg/kg bw/day and other teratogenic effects at higher doses [146]. Based on these studies, soluble nickel compounds are classified as Repro 1B for developmental effects, with the most sensitive effect being perinatal mortality in rats.…”