Determination of myoseverin embryotoxic potential by using FETAX.

Background: Since MYS is a microtubular poison with a reversible activity, Xenopus blastulae were exposed to MYS to verify the eventual drug-related developmental suspension and the reversibility of this effect.

Methods: Lethal and teratogenic effects of myoseverin (MYS) were evaluated using the FETAX. Embryos were exposed to different MYS concentrations from stage 8 to stage 47.

H2O2 induces abnormal tail flexure in Xenopus embryos: similarities with Paraquat teratogenic effects.

Background: As previously shown, Paraquat (PQ) treatments of Xenopus developing embryos mainly induce a characteristic developmental alteration we named "abnormal tail flexure." PQ oxidative activity has been indicated as the cause of this malformation. Since PQ evokes reactive oxygen species (ROS), among which hydroxyl radicals (OH(*)), and H(2)O(2) can be converted to (OH(*)) via Fenton reaction, we compared here the lethal and teratogenic potentials of both oxidants by using the Frog Embryo Teratogenesis Assay-Xenopus (FETAX), in order to grasp eventual similarities in their teratogenic activity.

Aflatoxin M1 effects on Xenopus laevis development.

Background: The principal Aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) hydroxylated metabolite excreted in milk is Aflatoxin M(1) (AFM(1)) classified in group 2B by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Human exposure to AFM(1) is due to the consumption of contaminated dairy products and partly to endogenous production through AFB(1) liver metabolism.

Methods: Since no data are available on AFM(1) embryotoxicity, its lethal and teratogenic potential was investigated using the Frog Embryo Teratogenesis Assay-Xenopus (FETAX).