The Effects of Trypan Blue on Chick Embryos Cultured in vitro
Various malformations in rats and mice have been observed to be caused by administration of the vital dye, Trypan blue (Gillman, Gilbert, Gillman, & Spence, 1948; Fox & Goss, 1956, 1957; Hamburgh, 1952, 1954; Waddington & Carter, 1952, 1953). Recently Waddington & Perry (1956) reported a teratogenic effect of Trypan blue on Amphibian embryos. The present paper deals with the effects of this dye on cultured chick embryos. Hen's eggs were incubated at 38°C. to the desired stage of development. Cultures were set up according to the ring technique described by New (1955). Precautions to maintain sterile conditions were observed throughout. An aqueous 1 per cent, solution of Gurr's vital Trypan blue was diluted with Pannett Compton saline to 0·05 per cent., which had been found to be a suitable concentration. A few drops of the dye solution were placed on the upper surface of the treated blastoderms.