Lactic acid accumulation as a cause of hypoxia-induced malformations in the chick embryo.

Most hypoxia-induced malformations are caused by a syndrome involving tremendous edema followed by formation of clear blisters and hematomas. These, in turn, mechanically interfere with development. Studies of blood pH and lactic acid indicate that lactate accumulation initiates this syndrome. The effects of lactic acid injections parallel those of subjection to hypoxia, confirming this conclusion.