Selective Growth Inhibition of the Male Progeny of Mice Treated with Trimethylamine During Pregnancy

Injections of 1-7.5 mmol trimethylamine (TMA) per kilogram into mice daily from day 6 to day 15 (period of organogenesis) of gestation caused a dose-dependent decrease in fetal weights and in postnatal growth. The decrease in postnatal body weight gain, in brain and kidney weights, and in brain protein and DNA was more marked in the male than in the female offspring of TMA-treated animals; seminal vesicle weight and serum testosterone levels were also reduced. It is suggested that the selective growth inhibition of male progeny might be due to a decrease in testosterone synthesis. Since endogenous TMA levels are influenced by renal and liver disease and food habits, it might be one of the environmental factors influencing pregnancy outcome.