Inhibition of Skeletal Formation in the Chick Embryo following Administration of Tetracycline

Abstract

IT has been shown that tetracyclines form complexes with metallic ions^1,2, that they become incorporated into bones of young mice³, and also that they are retained in bones of several other species for a considerable period following administration^4–5. We have recently demonstrated⁶ that tetracycline inhibits skeletal formation in the sand dollar (Echinarachnius parma) embryo. The above observations prompted us to extend our previous studies and test the effect of the administration of tetracycline on developing chick embryos with special reference to the formation of the skeleton.