[Teratogenic and lethal actions of diethylstilbestrol on the mouse embryo].

Teratogenic and lethal effects of diethylstilbestrol and progesterone on the embryo were studied in female white mice. The number of fetuses born with cleft palate or dying before birth were tabulated in mice treated with diethylstilbestrol, progesterone, or both drugs in varying doses. Teratogenic and lethal effects were found to be directly related to the dose of diethylstilbestrol, regardless of progesterone dose. Very high doses of progesterone may have a separate toxic effect on the fetus, however. Although these results cannot be extrapolated to the human species, it seems possible that the dangers of these hormones extend beyond the genital sphere.