Chromosome Abnormality in Offspring of LSD User
JAMA – February 09, 1970
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A newborn girl exhibited congenital abnormalities associated with D1-trisomy, linked to her parents' prior use of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Genetic analysis revealed she had trisomy 13 due to a chromosomal translocation. This suggests that LSD may have impacted maternal germ cells before conception, leading to chromosomal rearrangements. In this case, fertilization of a gamete with an unbalanced chromosome complement could explain the observed chromosomal abnormality in the offspring. Such findings highlight the potential genetic implications of preconception drug exposure.
Abstract
Congenital abnormalities compatible with D1-trisomy occurred in a newborn girl whose parents had used lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) prior to conception, but not during the pregnancy. Chromosomal analysis of the infant revealed trisomy 13 with a D/D translocation. Lysergic acid diethylamide may have damaged maternal germ cells prior to fertilization, inducing chromosomal rearrangement. Fertilization of a gamete with unbalanced chromosome complement may be the direct cause of the chromosomal aberration in the offspring.