Developmental neuropathology of environmental agents
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Viability Assays for Cells in Culture
Published on: January 20, 2014
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
Abstract:
The developing central nervous system (CNS) is more vulnerable to injury than the adult one. Although a great deal of research has been devoted to subtle effects of developmental exposure, such as neurobehavioral changes, this review instead focuses on a number of chemicals that have been shown, in several experimental models as well as humans, to cause morphological changes in the developing nervous system. Chemicals that are discussed include methylmercury (MeHg), lead (Pb), antiepileptic drugs, and ethanol. Additionally, the issue of silent neurotoxicity, i.e., persistent morphological and/or biochemical injury that remains clinically unapparent until later in life, is discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Parkinson Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Parkinson's Disease: Overview
Parkinson Disease l: Introduction
Mutations
