ABSTRACT
A structural analogue of nicotinic acid, 3-acetylpyridine, has been shown to produce morphological and physiological abnormalities in a variety of organisms. The effect of 3-acetylpyridine (AP) on chick embryos has been studied by several investigators using the technique of yolk-sac injection (Ackermann & Taylor, 1948; Zwilling & DeBell, 1950; Landauer, 1957; Herrmann, Clark & Landauer, 1963). Following AP treatment at 96 h of incubation, a reduction in body size, underdevelopment of leg musculature and edema were noted. Teratogenic effects of AP when administered after 24 h of incubation were much more diffuse and included instances of cerebral hernia and muscular hypoplasia (Landauer, 1957). Simultaneous injection of nicotinamide (Ackermann & Taylor, 1948; Landauer, 1957) decreased the incidence and severity of these conditions.
