Effects of Certain Triazenes on Chick Embryos and on Tumors Explanted to the Chorioallantois.

Summary1. A new compound that inhibits the growth of the sarcoma 180 in mice, 3,3 - dimethyl-1-phenyltriazene, “triazene,” also exhibits teratogenic activity in the chick embryo and damages mouse and human tumors explanted to the chorioallantois of the chick embryo. 2. The teratogenic syndrome produced by the injection of “triazene” into the yolk sac of the 4-day embryo consists of parrot-beak, micromelia, bent tibiotarsus, edema, and feather growth inhibition. This effect can be prevented by the injection of nicotinamide. Several analogs of “triazene” have been tested for teratogenic properties. 3. When injected into the yolk sac of embryos carrying chorioallantoic grafts of the mouse sarcoma 180 and Toolan's human epidermoid carcinoma #3, “triazene” causes inhibition of tumor growth and cellular injury. This effect is similar to that produced by nitrogen mustard and other polyfunctional alkylating agents. Because “triazene” shows certain similarities in tumor-inhibiting activity when compared to nitroge...