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Related Concept Videos

Teratogenicity01:07

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism01:24

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism

In pediatric care, understanding the nuances of hepatic drug metabolism is crucial, as it significantly differs from that of adults. This divergence is primarily due to the developmental stage of drug-metabolizing enzymes, which affects how medications are processed in the body. In neonates, for instance, the activity of Phase I enzymes—critical for the initial breakdown of drugs—is markedly reduced, functioning at just 20–40% of the levels seen in adults. This reduction poses a challenge in...
The Nativist Approach01:21

The Nativist Approach

The nativist approach to infant cognitive development proposes that infants are born with inherent knowledge structures that allow them to interpret the world almost immediately. This perspective contrasts with earlier developmental theories, such as those proposed by Jean Piaget, which emphasized a more gradual acquisition of cognitive abilities through interaction with the environment. One key concept in this approach is object permanence — the understanding that objects continue to exist...
Pathophysiology of Diabetes01:20

Pathophysiology of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Neurulation01:30

Neurulation

Neurulation is the embryological process which forms the precursors of the central nervous system and occurs after gastrulation has established the three primary cell layers of the embryo: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. In humans, the majority of this system is formed via primary neurulation, in which the central portion of the ectoderm—originally appearing as a flat sheet of cells—folds upwards and inwards, sealing off to form a hollow neural tube. As development proceeds, the anterior...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 21, 2026

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
07:36

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

Published on: November 20, 2015

Perinatal Development: Misunderstood Biology That Can Lead Hazard Assessment Astray.

John M DeSesso1

  • 1Exponent, Health Sciences Center, Virginia, Alexandria, USA.

Birth Defects Research
|May 20, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Rodent and human perinatal development differs significantly. Understanding these differences in developmental timing is crucial for accurately interpreting rodent study results and avoiding misclassification of potential malformations in hazard assessments.

Keywords:
blood–brain barrierbraincardiac septagastrointestinal absorptionintestineslung surfactantmyelinpostnatalskeleton

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Last Updated: May 21, 2026

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
07:36

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

Published on: November 20, 2015

A Rat Model of Mild Intrauterine Hypoperfusion with Microcoil Stenosis
06:19

A Rat Model of Mild Intrauterine Hypoperfusion with Microcoil Stenosis

Published on: January 7, 2018

Neurodevelopmental Reflex Testing in Neonatal Rat Pups
09:35

Neurodevelopmental Reflex Testing in Neonatal Rat Pups

Published on: April 24, 2017

Area of Science:

  • Comparative developmental biology
  • Toxicology
  • Risk assessment

Background:

  • Rodent gestation is significantly shorter than human gestation, leading to faster development but less mature neonates at birth.
  • Near-term fetal harvesting in rodent studies can misinterpret developmental delays as malformations.
  • Early lactational period can resolve many developmental timing deficits in rodents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide context for interpreting rodent toxicology data.
  • To improve extrapolation of rodent data to human hazard assessment.
  • To highlight the importance of comparative perinatal biology.

Main Methods:

  • Review of comparative pre- and postnatal development of key organs in rodents and humans.
  • Focus on skeletal ossification, cardiac septation, lung surfactant synthesis, intestinal development, and brain myelination.
  • Analysis of developmental timing to inform hazard assessment.

Main Results:

  • Comparative perinatal biology is essential for accurate interpretation of rodent test data.
  • Developmental delays in rodents, due to compressed schedules, can be mistaken for malformations.
  • Delays in lung maturation may explain early mortality in some rat pups.

Conclusions:

  • Interpreting rodent study data requires consideration of species-specific perinatal development.
  • Understanding developmental timing differences prevents misclassification of potential hazards.
  • Perinatal biology provides crucial context for refining human hazard assessments from rodent studies.