[Effects of morphine on the development of chick embryos].

AIM: To investigate the effect of morphine on fetal movement, heart rate, hatch weight, hatch days and hatch rate. METHODS: Morphine was injected into airspace of eggs and fetal movement, heart rate, hatch weight, hatch days and hatch rates were recorded. RESULTS: Hatch days were shorter, hatch rates were lower and some chicks became motor disorder for morphine. Chicks with morphine exposure 20 mg/kg from E 12 to E 16 had highest hatch rate and lowest disable rate. Morphine reduced fetal movement, increased heart rate (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The development of chick embryo is impaired by morphine exposure and the magnitude of these effects depends on the drug dose and the length of time that the developing organism is exposed to morphine.