Abstract
TESTS of teratogenicity using tissue culture, laboratory rodents or primates may not yield results applicable to man1. Different species and even strains differ in their response to teratogens. In mice, the percentage induction of cleft palate after administration of corticoids varies from strain to strain2; in rats, the effect cannot be found at all3–5. The relative influences of maternal metabolism on the one hand, and of specificity of the morphogenetic processes in the embryo on the other, remain unknown. The development of a test for the teratogenic effect of drugs depends on the solution of this problem: strict species specificity of the embryonic morphogenetic mechanisms would absolutely preclude extrapolation from laboratory animals to humans.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
