The Effects of Caffeine Exposure on Corneal Development in Chicken Embryos

Anesha Byrd, Deanna Williams, and Drew Bennet

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The effects of caffeine exposure during embryonic development can be harmful and pose various health complications to the embryo. This study tested the effect of increasing concentrations of caffeine on corneal thickness in a developing chicken embryo. Fertile chicken eggs were injected in ovo with either 5.75 mg/mL, 9.5 mg/mL, or 13.25 mg/mL of caffeine on embryonic days (E) 1, 2, and 3. On day E18, the corneas were harvested, processed, and sliced. Measurements of corneal thickness were taken and recorded. Our results showed that corneal thickness was significantly smaller in the embryos treated with 9.5 mg/mL and 13.25 mg/mL of caffeine compared to the non-treated and the lowest treatment group. These results are consistent with previous studies and indicate that caffeine has a detrimental effect on corneal development.

• Anesha Byrd is from Spartanburg, SC. She is a senior biology major with a minor in chemistry. Her involvements include Alpha Chi Honor Society, The Blue Key Honor Society, Tri-Beta Biological Society, and Rotract Club.