Fetal development in alloxan-treated rats

The effect of alloxan on embryo and fetal development in rats was evaluated. Alloxan was injected intraperitoneally (ip) in pregnant rats at doses of 80 to 150 mg/kg at Day 0 (day of fertilization), and 110 mg/kg at Day 4 of pregnancy. Hyperglycemia was rarely produced at alloxan doses from 80 to 100 mg/kg, and the frequency of malformations observed was low. Higher doses (110 to 150 mg/kg) caused severe hyperglycemia, and maternal or embryonic death. When 110 mg/kg was administered on Day 4 of gestation (the day before embryo implantation), all rats had resorption nodules and litters with embryos with delayed growth. We recommend the induction of diabetes mellitus on Day 4 of pregnancy for studies of diabetes–gestation interaction.