Congenital Malformations Induced by Mescaline, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, and Bromolysergic Acid in the Hamster
Science – October 13, 1967
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A single dose of mescaline or lysergic acid derivatives during pregnancy significantly impacted fetal health in hamsters. Notably, 100% of treated litters exhibited malformations, including brain and spinal cord defects, along with increased small fetuses (up to 40%) and heightened resorption rates (over 50%). These findings underscore the serious prenatal substance exposure effects, highlighting risks associated with these substances during critical developmental stages. Such outcomes raise important considerations for maternal health and fetal physiology in contexts like assisted reproductive technology and twin pregnancies.
Abstract
Malformations of the brain, spinal cord, liver, and other viscera; body edema; and localized hemorrhages were found in fetal hamsters from mothers injected subcutaneously with a single dose of mescaline, lysergic acid diethylamide, or 2-bromo-D lysergic acid diethylamide on the 8th day of pregnancy. In addition, all three drugs produced an increase in the percentages of small fetuses per litter, of resorptions, and of fetal mortality.