Investigations into the teratogenic potential of imperfect potatoes

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Abstract
To examine the hypothesis that spina bifida and anencephaly are related to the consumption of “blighted” potatoes, feeding trials were conducted in Wistar rats and marrnosets (Callithrix jacchus). Both species were fed “blighted” potato concentrate during early pregnancy. No abnormalities were observed in fetal rats, but cranial osseous defects were found in 4 of 11 fetal marmosets. Further trials were conducted in which concentrates of normal potato, tubers rejected by graders in the food industry; and potatoes infected with Erwinia carotovora were fed to pregnant marmosets under similar conditions. No gross abnormalities were found, but behavioral deficits were observed in 6 of 12 marmosets whose mothers had consumed “industry reject” concentrate. The level of glycoalkaloids was found to be high both in this material and in the original “blighted” potato concentrate. High levels of terpenoids did not appear to be associated with abnormality. Mercury levels were found to be within normal limits. Tests of all samples for cytochalasin activity showed it to be present only in the “blighted” Kerr's Pink concentrate. Analysis of Chloroform extracts of all test concentrates revealed some correlation between the “blighted” Kerr's Pink and the “industry reject” samples. A substance common only to these two groups was found, but its nature remains unidentified. The observation of behavioral defects highlights the need for parameters to test for teratogenic substances in food that may affect the differentiation or maturation of the cerebral cortex; such factors may have great social and political significance.