INFLUENCE OF POLYCHLORINATED-BIPHENYLS ON THE GROWTH OF CHICKEN EMBRYOS

Incubation of chicken embryos with either 0.01 or 0.03 ppm polychlorin ated biphenyls (PCBs) for 12, 15, or 18 d resulted in a significant de crease in liver and body weight associated with enhanced mortality. Te ratological examination revealed an increased frequency of malformatio ns including hydrops, eventration, wry neck, and brevicollis. PCB expo sure was also found to produce histologic damage to liver and cutaneou s tissue. Our data demonstrate that exposure of chicks to PCBs during development results in a retardation of growth, an increased incidence of malformations, and histopathologic damage.