Assessment of the teratogenicity of ammonium vanadate using Syrian golden hamsters

The exposure of pregnant Syrian golden hamsters to ammonium vanadate from Days 5 through 10 of gestation resulted in a statistically significant increase in skeletal anomalies and a decrease in the male:female fetal sex ratio. Skeletal anomalies included micrognathia, supernumerary ribs, and alterations in sternebral ossification. Although not statistically significant, external anomalies included meningocoele, one fetus with multiple anomalies, and the presence of a molar pregnancy. Soft tissue anomalies did not differ significantly among groups but included hydronephrosis/hydroureter and kidney dysplasia. The small numbers of malformed offspring and the lack of a clear-cut dose—response did not allow a definitive assessment of the teratogenicity of ammonium vanadate.