An embryological study of a special strain of deformed x‐rayed mice, with special reference to the etiology and morphogenesis of the abnormalities

This investigation consists of an extensive histological study of a special strain of abnormal x‐rayed mice, in an attempt to determine the embryonic origin and development of certain congenital abnormalities that are hereditary. The study shows that development of the x‐rayed strain is normal up to the thirteenth day after insemination, after which pathological structures appear in the form of blebs, hematomas, and thrombi. As a result of the formation of the blebs and hematomas a general condition is set up within the embryo which resembles that of thrombosis. The thrombi when formed exert a mechanical effect by crowding out the normal tissue. A chemical effect is also produced by the blood cells and fluid extravasated from the thrombus which penetrate into the forming tissues resulting in their perverted development. Thus the thrombi are the immediate factors causing the various regions of the body to be deformed.