In order to investigate the effect of SWCNTs in the embryo, we examined the outcome of SWCNTs in avian embryo at an early stage of development. We found that SWCNTs-treatment inhibits the angiogenesis of the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and in the chicken embryo. Moreover, we showed that SWCNTs can harm the normal development of the embryo since all SWCNTs-exposed embryos are smaller in comparison with their matched controls. We also found that the majority of SWCNTs-exposed embryos die before 12days of incubation. Macroscopic examination did not reveal any anomalies in these embryos. However, RT-PCR analysis of eleven genes, which are important regulators of cell proliferation, apoptosis, survival and angiogenesis, shows that these genes are deregulated in brain and liver tissues from SWCNTs-treated embryos in comparison with their matched controls. This study suggests that SWCNTs could have a very toxic effect on the normal development of the embryo.
From the clinical editor: In this study, a significant toxicity of single-walled carbon nanotubes was observed during normal embryogenesis: the nanotubes inhibited the angiogenesis of the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) in chicken embryos. All exposed embryos died before 12 days of incubation, suggesting a severe effect.
Keywords: Angiogenesis; Apoptosis; Avian embryo; Single-wall carbon nanotubes.
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