Methylnitrosourea induces neural progenitor cell apoptosis and microcephaly in mouse embryos.

Background: Prenatal exposure to methylnitrosourea (MNU), an alkylating agent, induces microcephaly in mice. However, its pathogenetic mechanism has not been clarified, especially that in the development of the cerebral cortex.

Methods: ICR mice were treated with MNU at 10 mg/kg intraperitoneally on day 13.