OBJECTIVEEmbryonic movements (EM) and angiogenesis pathways are evolutionarily conserved mechanisms which are essential for proper embryonic development. Deviations in these processes by exposure to cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) may cause vascular and morphogenetic disorders.

METHODSUsing chicken and mouse embryos, we have demonstrated the in vivo effects of CSC on EM, vascular development, and organogenesis.

RESULTSExamination of the CSC exposed chicken embryos revealed a significant reduction in EM, stunted growth, deviated pattern of blood vessels, hemorrhages, and localized necrosis. Likewise, mouse embryos that were exposed to CSC at E8.5 and E9.5 died between E11.5 and E12.5, respectively. These mouse embryos showed defects in morphogenesis and remodeling of the embryonic vasculature, while littermate controls showed normal development.

CONCLUSIONSCigarette smoking during pregnancy is fatal for growing embryos. CSC may induce the remodeling of embryonic vasculature, leading to various pathologies.

Analysis of Variance ; Animals ; Chick Embryo ; Embryonic Development ; drug effects ; Female ; Maternal Exposure ; adverse effects ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Movement ; drug effects ; Organogenesis ; drug effects ; Pregnancy ; Smoke ; adverse effects ; Tobacco ; Vascular Malformations ; chemically induced