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Developmental neuropathology of environmental agents.
Lucio G Costa1, Michael Aschner, Annabella Vitalone
1Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, USA. lgcosta@u.washington.edu
Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology
|January 28, 2004
Summary
Developing brains are vulnerable to chemical exposure, leading to lasting damage. This review covers methylmercury, lead, antiepileptic drugs, and ethanol, highlighting silent neurotoxicity in the central nervous system (CNS).
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The developing central nervous system (CNS) exhibits heightened vulnerability to toxic insults compared to the adult CNS.
- While subtle neurobehavioral changes from developmental exposures are well-researched, significant morphological alterations are also a critical concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- This review focuses on chemicals inducing morphological changes in the developing nervous system.
- It aims to discuss the phenomenon of silent neurotoxicity, where injury is not apparent until later in life.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental models and human data on chemical exposures during development.
- Analysis of studies investigating morphological and biochemical changes in the nervous system.
Main Results:
- Methylmercury (MeHg), lead (Pb), antiepileptic drugs, and ethanol are identified as agents causing morphological damage to the developing CNS.
- Evidence suggests that such injuries can be persistent and clinically silent in early life.
Conclusions:
- Developmental exposure to certain chemicals can cause significant, lasting morphological damage to the CNS.
- The concept of silent neurotoxicity underscores the need for long-term monitoring and preventative strategies.