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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
19:15
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Developmental considerations of neurotoxic exposures
1University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Neurologic Clinics
|June 29, 2000
Summary
This study reviews how neurotoxic substances impact brain development and behavior. It examines preclinical and clinical data on developmental neurotoxicity from drugs and environmental agents.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Toxicology
Background:
- The developing brain is uniquely vulnerable to neurotoxic insults.
- Understanding developmental neurotoxicity is crucial for public health.
- Existing research often focuses on specific agents, necessitating a broader framework.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a conceptual framework for assessing developmental neurotoxicity.
- To review key concepts in brain development and neurobehavioral testing.
- To synthesize preclinical and clinical findings on neurotoxin exposure.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of brain development and neurobehavioral testing.
- Selective review of preclinical studies on neurotoxicity mechanisms.
- Selective review of clinical data on neurotoxin-induced deficits.
Main Results:
- Identified key concepts in developmental neurotoxicity.
- Reviewed mechanisms of neurobehavioral compromise from preclinical models.
- Summarized clinical deficits associated with exposure to drugs of abuse (alcohol, nicotine, cocaine) and environmental agents (lead, methyl-mercury, PCBs, organophosphorus compounds).
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive framework is needed to understand developmental neurotoxicity.
- Both preclinical and clinical data are essential for assessing neurotoxin impacts.
- Further research is warranted to address the complex interplay of factors in developmental neurotoxicity.
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