The resolution of links between exposure to components of our complex environmental and causation of reproductive effects in the population constitutes an important problem in the field of toxicology. The focus of this volume is developmental toxicology, which represents one aspect of reproductive toxicology dealing with the study of adverse effects on the developing conceptus. Developmental toxicology, which includes teratogenesis as one of its manifesta tions, provides a fertile field for research in several basic and clinical disciplines; this field also receives input from several disoiplines such as developmental and molecu lar biology, pathology, pharmacology and toxicology, pediatrics and neonatology, and epidemiology. More recently we h~ve seen an emergence of interest in other fields such as perinatal physiology and postnatal behavior which have now become incorporated into the mainstream of research in this discipline. The present volume is an effort to provide a sampling of concepts currently under active investigation in several of the above fields. The authors have endeavored to provide up-to-date in formation on the following topics: detection and analysis of potential hazards to the conceptus in the workplace, pharmacokinetic aspects of the maternal/placental! fetal complex and its relationship to human birth defects, and probable mechanisms of teratogenesis as uncovered in certain well-defined situations. Also included are summaries of newer investigations on the emerging field of postnatal functional evaluations, i. e. , adverse effects on adult activities resultant from in utero exposure to toxic substances.

Klappentext

With contributions by numerous experts

Inhalt
Epidemiology and Bioavailability.- 1 Assessment of Potential Hazards to the Unborn in the Workplace.- 2 Pharmacokinetic Modeling and the Teratologist.- 3 Placental Drug Metabolism.- 4 Genetic Differences in Drug Metabolism: Proposed Relationship to Human Birth Defects.- Mechanisms of Teratogenesis.- 5 Viruses as Teratogens.- 6 Hormonal Involvement in Palatal Differentiation.- 7 Membrane Lipids and Differentiation.- 8 Hormone Receptors and Malformations.- 9 Mutagens as Teratogens: A Correlative Approach.- Adverse Effects on Function.- Chpater 10 Behavioral Testing Procedures: A Review.- 11 Behavioral Teratology: A New Frontier in Neurobehavioral Research.- 12 Abnormal Lung Function Induced by Prenatal Insult.- 13 Postnatal Alterations of Gastrointestinal Physiology, Hematology, Clinical Chemistry, and Other Non-CNS Parameters.- In Vitro Screens of Teratogenic Potential.- 14 Detection of Teratogens Using Cells in Culture.- 15 Embryonic Organs in Culture.- 16 Whole Embryos in Culture.- 17 The Role of an Artificial Embryo in Detecting Potential Teratogenic Hazards.- Chemical Index.