Embryopathies due to spermatozoal impairment in Xenopus laevis.

An in vitro test system, involving gametes of Xenopus laevis has been used to study the effect of antifertility agents upon spermatozoa as manifest in developing embryos. Exposure to either the isomeric forms of dimethylmyleran, methyl methanesulphonate or gamma-radiation led to development of a range of embryopathies, whereas treatment with steroidal drugs or the rodent epididymal chemosterilants alpha-chlorohydrin and trimethylphosphate was compatible with production of apparently normal offspring.