Niacin antagonists and chick development

Genetically determined organ specific responses to the teratogenic action of 6-aminonicotinamide in the mouse

1. A two-hour relative deficiency of nicotinamide, produced by maternal treatment with 6-aminonicotinamide, resulted in a maximum frequency of vertebral fusions following treatment on day 9·5 of gestation, and a maximum frequency of cleft palates following treatment on day 13·5.

2. Both defects appeared with higher frequencies in the A/Jax than in the C57BL/6J inbred strain.

3. The frequency of induced vertebral fusions in F1 embryos from crosses between the strains was higher when the father was from the A/Jax strain than when the mother was—a patroclinous reciprocal cross difference.

4. The frequency of induced cleft palate in F1 embryos from crosses between the strains was higher when the mother was from the A/Jax strain than when the father was—a matroclinous reciprocal cross difference.

5. Since the reciprocal cross differences in frequency of vertebral fusions and for cleft palates were in opposite directions, the hereditary factors influencing susceptibility to the teratogen appear to differ for the respective organ anlage. These differences appear to be, in part, cytoplasmic.

6. The frequency of induced cleft palate in the offspring of backcrosses of (untreated) F1 female hybrids to A/Jax males differed according to the cytoplasmic origin of the F1 mothers. Thus the susceptibility of an embryo to the teratogen appears to be influenced by factors transmitted through the cytoplasm.

Effect of 6-aminonicotinamide on metabolism of astrocytes and C6-glioma cells

Brain tissue cells have been shown to use two predominant pathways for energy production. The first of these is the pentose phosphate shunt, and the second is glycolysis, followed by the TCA cycle. Inhibition of these pathways can result in a reduction of ATP, and changes in the concentration of various metabolites. In the present study, the acute and chronic effect of 6-aminonicotinamide (6-AN) (0.01, 0.02, and 0.03 mg/ml) was examined on astrocytes and C6-glioma cells. Following this treatment, glucose, lactate, glutamate, ATP, and PCr were assayed according to the procedures of Lowry and Passonneau. Our data indicated that following 15 minutes treatment of astrocytes and C6-glioma with 6AN there was no significant difference in the concentration of metabolites measured. However, following 24 hours treatment there was a significant increase in glucose concentration and significant reduction in the concentration of ATP, PCr, lactate and glutamate in both cell types. Morphological changes appeared later following 48 hours treatment with 6-AN in both cell types. Glucose accumulation can be explained by the fact that it is the precursor to both glycolysis and the pentose phosphate shunt. If these processes are inhibited, glucose will obviously accumulate and products like ATP, PCr, lactate and glutamate will decrease. Additionally, there was significant differences in concentration of glucose and lactate between astrocytes and C6-glioma cells. The significance of these differences has been discussed.

Test of six chemicals for embryotoxicity using fetal mouse salivary glands in culture

Many new chemicals come into use each year, and the need for rapid and cost-effective methods for testing developmental toxicity is apparent. Establishing reliable in vitro techniques is important to a tier approach to testing for developmental toxicity. The fetal mouse salivary gland was selected as a possible test system because several interacting developmental processes occur in gland growth, and development is quantifiable by counting lobes. For each chemical tested, 20 glands from 13-day embryos were treated in a control media and in three concentrations of the test chemicals. The number of lobes present after 48 hours is dependent on the number of lobes at explantation. Glands with different numbers of lobes at explantation were compared by dividing the number of lobes present after 48 hours by the number present at explantation to determine a growth ratio. Mean growth ratios were used to construct dose-response curves, and from these curves the concentration that reduced growth by 50% (TP50) was determined. Comparisons with in vivo data were made by calculating three ratios; the TP50 was divided into the lowest teratogenic dose, the lowest maternal toxic dose, and the dose that was lethal to 50%. Four in vivo teratogens, 6-aminonicotinamide, cytochalasin B, hydroxyurea, and 3-acetylpyridine, all had ratios much higher than 1, indicating a very sensitive response by the glands. One in vivo teratogen, dexamethasone, had much lower ratios, indicating less sensitivity. Acetaminophen, a nonteratogen in vivo, actually stimulated growth of the glands at 10(-5) M and had very low ratios indicating a minimal response by the glands.

Altered proteoglycan synthesis by micromelial limbs induced by 6-aminonicotinamide. Appearance of abnormal forms of cartilage-characteristic proteoglycan (PG-H)

Since administration of 6-aminonicotinamide (10 micrograms) to day-4 chick embryos in ovo was shown to induce micromelial limbs, biosynthesis of cartilage-characteristic proteoglycan-H (PG-H) as an important index of limb chondrogenesis was examined in day-7 normal and micromelial hind limbs by biochemical and immunological methods. (1) Metabolic labelling of the micromelial limbs with [6-3H]glucosamine and either [35S]sulphate or [35S]methionine, followed by analyses of labelled PG-H by glycerol density-gradient centrifugation under dissociative conditions, showed a marked reduction in the PG-H synthesis. (2) PG-H synthesized by the micromelial limbs was much lower than that synthesized by the normal limbs in the biosynthetic ratio of chondroitin sulphate to keratan sulphate and glycoprotein-type oligosaccharide, although no significant difference was observed in the immunological properties of these proteoglycans. (3) The degree of sulphation of chondroitin sulphates of PG-H was lowered in the micromelial limbs as judged by the increase of unsulphated disaccharide (delta Di-OS) released by chrondroitinase ABC digestion, although there were no significant differences between the normal and the micromelial limbs in the average molecular size (Mr = 38,000) of labelled chondroitin sulphates of PG-H. (4) Addition of beta-D-xyloside, an artificial initiator for chondroitin sulphate synthesis, to the micromelial limbs in culture recovered the incorporation of labelled glucosamine into chondroitin sulphate to that comparable with the normal control with beta-D-xyloside, although the incorporation of [35S]sulphate was lower in the micromelia than in the control with beta-D-xyloside. These results suggest that the reduction in the biosynthesis of the PG-H as well as the production of altered forms of PG-H induced by 6-aminonicotinamide during a critical period of limb morphogenesis may be an important factor for the micromelia.

Teratogenic effects of cholinergic insecticides in chick embryos--IV. The role of tryptophan in protecting against limb deformities

The mechanism by which organophosphate (OP) insecticides cause micromelia in embryonic chick limbs was examined using a tissue culture approach. Limb bud cells in micromass culture were assayed for their proliferative and chondrogenic activities, [3H]thymidine and 35SO4 = incorporation, respectively, into the trichloroacetic acid-insoluble constituents of the cell masses and/or the accumulation of 35S-labeled soluble macromolecular products in the culture medium. There was no obvious correlation between either the teratogenicity or toxicity of the insecticide in ovo and the inhibition of proliferation and chondrogenesis in vitro. In addition, nicotinamide, which prevents insecticide-induced micromelia in ovo, did not improve the proliferative and chondrogenic performance of insecticide-treated cells in culture. On the other hand, 2-pyridinealdoxime methochloride, which offers little or no protection against micromelia in ovo, did protect both the proliferative and chondrogenic activities of the limb bud cells in micromass culture. These observations suggest that the actions of the insecticides on the cells in culture are not the same as those that produce micromelia in ovo. L-Tryptophan antagonized OP insecticide-induced micromelia in the embryo. In micromass culture, a much greater concentration of tryptophan was needed to support the chondrogenic than the proliferative activities of the limb bud cells. Moreover, a greater concentration of tryptophan was needed to support the chondrogenic activities of the leg bud than the wing bud cells. These in vitro responses of the limb bud cells to tryptophan deprivation are analogous to the in ovo response of the limbs to the teratogenic OP insecticides. A possible explanation of the roles of tryptophan and nicotinamide in preventing the limb deformities is offered.

The establishment of vascular-derived microenvironments in the developing chick wing

The results of previous studies on the temporal sequence of limb vascularization suggest that the prospective myogenic and chondrogenic areas of the mesoderm are distinguished by a differential vascularization pattern prior to the overt expression of muscle- and cartilage-specific phenotypes. The experiments presented here are designed to reveal the dynamic aspects of vascular flow in the limb by the observation of how an inert, particular tracer (india ink) is mobilized and dispersed at specific points in the mesoderm. Data are presented as a temporal sequence of fluid flow "maps" which detail both the rate and the direction of vascular flow in the limb. It is proposed that not only does the vasculature compartmentalize the mesoderm into prospective myogenic and chondrogenic zones but also that these broad areas are subcompartmentalized into discrete microenvironments that are spatially distinct with regard to their capacity for transporting the carbon particles. The developmental significance of this observation may be that limb mesodermal cells are granted precise, "positional" information in the form of the specific nutrient and oxygen levels they encounter during critical, or decisional, phases of morphogenesis.

Enhanced chondrocytic differentiation in chick limb bud cell cultures by inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase

Inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase, namely nicotinamide, benzamide, m-methoxybenzamide and 3-aminobenzamide, augmented chondrocytic differentiation chick embryo limb bud mesenchymal cells, in culture. These inhibitors stimulated early appearance and massive formation of cartilage nodules in micromass cultures stage 23-24 chick embryos. They also induced nodule formation in micromass and cartilage colonies at micromass plating densities from stage 18-19 embryo Benzamide, however, did not prevent differentiated chondrocytes from undergoing a pleiotypic change in cell type. These results are compatible with the putative regulatory function of poly(ADP-ribose) on cell differentiation.

Teratogenic and antiteratogenic effects of nicotinamide derivatives in chick embryos

Teratogenic and antiteratogenic effects of nine nicotinamide analogs in chick embryos were investigated. Further, the teratisms of 6-aminonicotinamide (6-AN), nicotinamide analogs, and an organophosphate (diazinon) were compared. White leghorn chick embryos were used. Agents were injected into the yolk of eggs on d 3 of incubation. Morphological observations were made on d 17 of incubation. Chemical names for compounds I to IX are: I, 6-dimethylaminonicotinamide; II, 6-diethylaminonicotinamide; III, 6-methylamino-3-(N-methyl)-nicotinamide; IV, 6-dimethylamino-3-pyrimidine carboximide; V, 6-(dimethylamino)-nicotinic acid; VI, 6-chloro-3-[N-(5-diethylamino)-2-pentyl]-nicotinamide; VII, 6-mercaptonicotinamide; VIII, [N-acetyl-N'-(3-pyridyl)-carbonyl]-hydrazine; IX, nicotinamide 1-N-oxide. The LD50 values in mumol per egg were as follows: 6-AN, 0.073; compound II, 0.23; compound III, 1.11; compound I, 1.32; compound VI, about 3. Compounds IV, V, VII, VIII, and IX showed no toxicity or lethality at the highest doses tested (10 mumol/egg). Among the nine nicotinamide analogs, compounds I, II, and III, which have an amino group at the 6-position of the pyridine ring, were teratogenic. Their teratogenic signs were similar to those caused by 6-AN: they showed growth retardation, anteriorly directed short legs, and coarse, dense feathering. The teratogenic effects of compounds I, II, and III were prevented by pretreatment with nicotinamide, as were the effects of 6-AN and diazinon. Among the nine analogs, only compound VIII had an antiteratogenic effect against the diazinon-induced micromelia (in which the cardinal signs were tibiotarsal angulations and poor feathering). For teratisms produced by 6-aminonicotinamide analogs and organophosphates, nicotinamide was an effective antiteratogenic agent. However, some differences in the malformations induced by both types of agents were found. We suggest that the addition of a 3-acetylpyridine type to the nicotinamide-related teratisms (6-AN type, 3-acetylpyridine type, and organophosphate type) will provide a clearer distinction among the types.

Estimation of creatine phosphokinase and hydroxyproline in the developing limb: its use in evaluating the effect of teratogens on myogenesis and chondrogenesis

Forelimbs of mouse fetuses were examined for tissue-specific, drug-induced alterations in their biochemical composition. The activity of the enzyme creatine phospholinase (CPK; to estimate myogenesis) and the content of hydroxyproline (HP; to estimate chondrogenesis) were compared in homogenates of control and treated mouse-fetus forelimbs on day 14 of gestation. In addition, the content of DNA, RNA, and protein was also measured. Injection of 6-aminonicotinamide (6-AN) (15 mg/kg) on day 10 resulted in an overall growth retardation in day 14 fetuses and all biochemical parameters tested were reduced. The ratio of PH:CPK was unaffected by 6-AN treatment. Retinoic acid (vitamin A acid; 100 mg/kg), administered to pregnant female mice on day 10, produced severe forelimb defects and resulted in a signific 10 resulted in an overall growth retardation in day 14 fetuses and all biochemical parameters tested were reduced. The ratio of PH:CPK was unaffected by 6-AN treatment. Retinoic acid (vitamin A acid; 100 mg/kg), administered to pregnant female mice on day 10, produced severe forelimb defects and resulted in a signific 10 resulted in an overall growth retardation in day 14 fetuses and all biochemical parameters tested were reduced. The ratio of PH:CPK was unaffected by 6-AN treatment. Retinoic acid (vitamin A acid; 100 mg/kg), administered to pregnant female mice on day 10, produced severe forelimb defects and resulted in a significant reduction in day 14 forelimb HP and RNA content, without altering CPK, DNA, or protein; thus, the HP:CPK ratio was decreased. These results indicated that 1) 6-AN nonspecifically retards growth and cyto-differentiation in limbs; 2) retinoic acid inhibits synthesis of collagen and RNA; 3) retinoic acid has a differential effect upon chondrogenic and myogenic tissues of the limb, and 4) the comparison of HP content and CPK activity in tissue homogenates is an acceptable method of evaluating teratogenic compounds for selective effects.

Response of early chick embryos to busulfan

Busulfan, suspended in peanut oil, was injected into the yolk sac of white Leghorn chick embryos in dosages of 0.1 mg, 0.5 mg, or 1.0 mg. Embryos received a single injection of busulfan either prior to incubation, at 24, 48, 72, or 96 hours of incubation. Surviving embryos were sacrificed when they reached five days of incubation. Some embryos exposed to busulfan at 96 hours were allowed to develop to nine days of incubation to determine whether the time of initial exposure or the length of exposure to busulfan was more critical. The embryo required 48 hours to manifest the deleterious effects of busulfan. Abnormalities such as defects in the formation of the limb buds and cephalic hematomas were commonly seen in survivors no matter when exposed to busulfan. Some embryos injected at 96 hours and allowed to develop to nine days displayed edema of the body cavities. The role of busulfan in eliciting these malformations is discussed.

Affinity of intramitochondrial granules for ruthenium red accompanying induced cell death in chick embryos

To test the hypothesis that ruthenium red binding of intramitochondrial granules might reflect an altered or pathological state of membranes associated with degeneration, embryos were treated with 6-AN to induce cell death in cartilaginous skeletons of chick embryos. Cervical cartilage from normal, 6-AN-treated and nicotinamide-alleviated 6-AN embryos was examined ultrastructurally for presence of IM RR-positive granules. Mitochondria of normal cervical chondroblasts which undergo normal phenotypic expression acquire RR-positive granules, although few mature cells are observed in young embryos. Necrotic chondroblasts, chondroblasts in various stages of degeneration, and proliferating chondrogenic cells of 6-AN-treated embryos all demonstrated induced RR-positive IM granules. Foci of degenerating chondroblasts, with mitochondria demonstrating RR granules, were observed infrequently in teratogen-alleviated tissue. The cytological features induced by 6-AN confirm its lethal effect and the degenerative effect on membranes presumably "unmasks" mitochondrial Ca-affinity sites which then become RR-positive. Cytochemical observations correspond with the biochemical and structural changes induced by 6-AN and confirm the hypothesis that RR-positive sites are the result of pathological changes.

Phenytoin (dilantin)-induced cleft lip and palate in A/J mice: a scanning and transmission electron microscopic study

High incidences of cleft lip and palate (CLP) produced by maternal intraperitoneal administration of 75 mg/kg phenytoin on gestational day 10 to A/J mice are associated with a severe size reduction in the lateral nasal process. Scanning and transmission EM analyses of this region demonstrate a marked change in the morphology of the mesenchymal cells underlying the surface epithelium in treated versus control day 11 (7-tail somite) embryos: long, branching cellular processes, which form a dense meshwork that appears to interact with the epithelial basement lamina in control embryos are undeveloped or absent in phenytoin-treated embryos. The ultrastructural morphology of these cell processes is described and their possible importance in normal development is discussed. Scanning EM observations of incomplete clefts of the lip which frequently result from phenytoin treatment indicate that Simonart's bands form from fusion of the lateral and medial nasal processes in association with a lack of fusion of the maxillary process with the medial nasal process.

Histological study of muscular hypoplasia in the crooked neck dwarf mutant (cn/cn) chick embryo

Tibiotarsal segments of 12-day chick embryos homozygous for the crooked neck dwarf gene (cn/cn) were examined histologically following routine methods of preparation. The myogenic mass fails to divide into separate muscle bundles during the early stages of differentiation. Myoblasts and myotubes are observed, although the proportion favors the mononucleate cell population. Multinucleate myotubes are often wavy in appearance and many contain eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusions. The entire tissue mass of mutants appears more compacted than in control limbs. Poor organization of muscle appears related to the lack of a suitable connective tissue system. Epimysia, perimysia, and subcutaneous connective tissue fail to develop properly. Tendons are poorly developed or absent. Comparisons between mutant and control embryos show no differences in peripheral innervation. Nerve fascicles penetrate deeply into the developing muscle of both species. The distribution of vascular elements is seemingly normal also. Skeletal muscle of cn/cn embryos is capable of differentiating to the myotube stage, after which it undergoes cellular degeneration without achieving a functional state. Comparisons of this mutant with alleged chemical phenocopies show important differences.

Teratogenic effects of 6-aminonicotinamide in mice

6-Aminonicotinamide (6-AN), a potential broad-spectrum rodenticide, was examined for embryotoxic and teratogenic potential. Mice of the BALB/c strain were given a single oral dose of 1, 17, 34, 51 or 136 mg/kg on one of days 8 to 13 of gestation. Fetuses were either examined on day 18 post coitum (prenatal study), or allowed to go to term and examined 2 days after birth. Dam weights were significantly reduced (p less than 0.01) at dose levels of 17 mg/kg and greater. These same dose levels caused a significant decrease (p less than 0.01) in litter size and in mean fetal weight. They also caused an increase in the number of resorptions. Hydrocephalus and cleft palate were the most frequent visceral anomalies and were dose-dependent. Skeletal anomalies were also dose-dependent, and the fetus was most susceptible on days 8 to 10 post coitum. A significant (p less than 0.05) increase in the ratio of female to male fetuses was observed at dose levels of 34 mg/kg and greater. Surviving 2-day-old pups had few visceral anomalies but skeletal anomalies were more frequent. Because of its teratogenic properties, it would be difficult to register 6-AN for use against commensal rodents or as a broad-spectrum rodenticide for use in agricultural crops.

Effects of cytosine arabinoside, 6-aminonicotinamide, and 6-mercaptopurine riboside on ectoderm and mesoderm of mouse limb buds

The effects of cytosine arabinoside, 6-aminonicotinamide, and 6-mercaptopurine riboside on the incorporation of [14C] glucose moieties and [32P] phosphate into acid-soluble material and lipids, RNA, DNA, and protein were measured in the dissected mesoderm and ectoderm of mouse limb buds at the 42-45 (day 11) somite stage. Due to the different proliferative capacities of the two tissues the incorporation of the precursors into mesodermal cells was considerably higher the than into ectodermal ones. Cytosine arabinoside inhibited the incorporation of the precursor moieties only into DNA, but very early after its application. This effect was more obvious in mesoderm than ectoderm. 6-Aminonicotinamide interfered only with glucose metabolism, whereas the incorporation of phosphate was not affected. 14C radioactivity in the various cell components was similarly reduced in mesoderm and ectoderm. 6-mercaptopurine riboside caused an increased incorporation of precursor material in all fractions studied in the mesoderm as well as in the ectoderm during the first 12 hours. This was succeeded by a dramatic decrease of incorporated 14C and 32P radioactivity. Differences of response in the tissues could not be detected with this drug. It is suggested that the malformations of the extrmities caused by these antimetabolites may be predominantly attributed to changes in the cell function rather than to gross effects on cell metabolism.

Cholinomimetic teratogens. V. The effect of oximes and related cholinesterase reactivators

Pyridine-2-aldoxime methiodide and pyridine-2-aldoxime methyl methane sulfonate (P2S) used as supplements to carbachol or neostigmine, greatly lowered the incidence of chicken embryos of vertebral defects and muscular hypoplasia. With 4-pyridine aldoxime the effect of the teratogens was less reduced. Supplementation of carbachol or neostigmine with either ambenonium or toxogonin lessened the occurrence of muscular hypoplasia, but did little, if anything, to prevent malformation of the neck vertebrae. In tests with physostigmine P2S as supplement reduced or prevented cervical defects, but failed to protect the nicotinamide-sensitive parts of the embryo.

Cholinomimetic teratogens. III. Interaction with amino acids known as neurotransmitters

The amino acids gamma-aminobutyric acid, taurocholate, guanidine, glycine, and beta-alanine, known to have putative functions as neurotransmitters, when given as supplement to carbachol or decamethonium, greatly reduced the incidence of malformations produced in chicken embryos by these depolarizing cholinomimetic teratogens. In combination with the nondepolarizing teratogens neostigmine and pyridostigmine similarly beneficial effects occurred only by supplementation with gamma-aminobutyric acid.

Studies of the development of congenital anomalies in rats. III. Effects of inhibition of mitochondrial energy systems on embryonic development

Pregnant rats were treated with various inhibitors of mitochondrial oxidative energy metabolism and with lowered oxygen tension, and the embryo fetuses examined for the occurrence of congenital malformations and for changes in enzymatic activities. Treatment with all agents tested resulted in the production of skeletal anomalies. Sodium phenobarbital was the most teratogenic of the drugs tested and produced a high incidence of malformations which included cleft palate, tail anomalies, spinal retroflexion, domed head, and facial hypoplasia. Diphenylhydantoin produced a low incidence of syndactyly and oligodactyly. In addition to its effects on fetal growth and development chloramphenicol appeared to interfere with implantation. Tissue preparations from embryos exposed to sodium phenobarbital and chloramphenicol showed markedly lowered levels of DPNH oxidase activity. Cytochrome oxidase activity was also markedly lowered in the preparations from chloramphenicol-exposed embryos. Enzyme activities in preparations from embryos exposed to malonate and diphenylhydantoin appeared unaffected, although the drugs are strong inhibitors of electron transport in vitro; the lack of apparent effect may be due to the fact that both drugs do not bind to the enzyme preparations and were diluted 100- to 200-fold during preparation and assay of the tissue homogenates.

Inhibition of ATP synthesis associated with 6-aminonicotinamide (6-AN) teratogenesis in rat embryos

Pregnant rats were injected ip with 6 mg/kg 6-aminonicotinamide (6-AN) at day 12 of gestation. Embryos removed between 1 and 48 h later had reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentrations, of about 50% of control values. All fetuses examined near term were malformed. Nicotinamide (NAM, 100 mg/kg) given ip 1 h after 6-AN afforded protection: malformations occurred in only 15% of the survivors; and there was minimal ATP reduction, 15% below control values. NAM given 2 and 4 h after 6-AN produced intermediate ATP concentrations and malformation frequencies. Thus, there was a relation between the embryotoxic and ATP-depressant actions of 6-AN in day 12 rat embryos.

Organophosphorus and methyl carbamate insecticide teratogenesis: diminished NAD in chicken embryos

Studies with 36 organophosphorus and 12 methyl carbamate compounds establish a correlation between reduction in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) levels and severity of teratogenic signs in chicken embryos, a relation supported by reversal of these effects by nicotinamide derivatives. Diminished NAD occurring at organophosphorus and methyl carbamate concentrations as low as 0.6 to 2.0 parts per million in the egg constitutes a newly recognized biochemical lesion induced by the two most important classes of insecticide chemicals.

Cholinomimetic teratogens: studies with chicken embryos

The cholinomimetic compounds carbachol, decamethonium, neostigmine, succinylcholine, trimethylphenylammonium, and others were tested for their interference with normal chick development. All these compounds led to abnormalities of the cervical vertebrae; at higher dosage interference with normal morphogenesis involved the whole vertebral column. Hypoplasia of the leg muscles occurred with lower incidence. Responses, tested with carbachol, rose from 24 to 72 and 96 h, then declined to 120 h of incubation. Two of the cholinometic compounds used in combined treatment produced a high degree of synergism. Gallamine, benzoquinomium, butyrylcholine, and bethanechol had protective effects. Acetylcholine, at high dosage, caused defects different from the above. It is suggested that the cholinomimetic teratogens interfere with normal development by displacing acetylcholine from its receptors or by forming complexes with it.

Control of chondrogenic expression in mesodermal cells of embryonic chick limb

Chick-limb mesodermal cells have been maintained in tissue culture under conditions that permit development of muscle and cartilage. 3-Acetylpyridine, a nicotinamide-antagonized muscle teratogen, potentiates chondrogenic expression in cell cultures, as evidenced by histological and biochemical criteria, including the production of chondromucoprotein. Xylosyltransferase and N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase are two enzymes required for chondromucoprotein synthesis; the specific activities of these enzymes were measured in differentiating mesodermal cells cultured for various periods of time in the presence and absence of 3-acetylpyridine and in intact limb tissue. The ratios of specific enzyme activities were nearly the same in both cultured cells and limb tissue, although the levels of both transferases increased severalfold during chondrogenic expression by mesodermal cells in culture. 3-Acetylpyridine causes the specific activities of xylosyl- and N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferases to increase 10- and 2-fold, respectively, above those of untreated cultures. Compared to the ratio of transferase activities in limb tissue and differentiating cell cultures, 3-acetylpyridine appears to increase the activity of xylosyltransferase, the initiator of chondroitin sulfate chain synthesis, more than does N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase; this finding implies that the synthesis of these two enzymes may be separately regulated.

3-acetylpyridine: effects in vitro related to teratogenic activity in chicken embryos

Production of skeletal muscle hypoplasia by 3-acetylpyridine and its complete reversal by nicotinamide in developing chicken embryos have been confirmed. Cultures of developing embryonic chicken muscle show degenerative effects produced by 3-acetylpyridine; these effects are reversed by nicotinamide. Cartilage production in cultured chondrogenic cells is potentiated by 3-acetylpyridine; this potentiation is completely reversed by nicotinamide. It is suggested that nicotinamide-or pyridine-nucleotide-dependent reactions influence normal differentiation of limb mesoderm cells by inhibiting chondrogenic-cell and potentiating muscle-cell expression or proliferation.