Malformations induced by hormones in mice and their transmission to the offspring.

A fore foot defect occurring after gonadotropin stimulated ovulation in the offspring of Swiss albino mice is described as an abnormality which is transmitted to the offspring of several inbred generations. This malformation is a combination of postaxial oligodactylism and polydactylism, in literature so far not described previously. The defect originally observed after hormone treatment (postaxial oligodactylism) occurred most frequently. With others it has been considered whether the defect of the foot, which is in all probability subject to polygenic control, manifests itself as a result of selective factors during embryogenesis. A possible mutagenic effect of the sex hormones on the germ cells is also under consideration. This view is supported by clinical observations.