Experimental embryology and teratology--its relevance for medical practice

Some main aspects (but by no means all) of the strong relation between experimental embryology and teratology and practical medicine are discussed. As a matter of fact, the spectacular modern tool used in sterility therapeutics--the transfer of preimplantation embryos--has been developed on the basis of a considerable experience in embryo transfer on laboratory animals. Preventive teratological screening, its increasing development is the plausible consequence of the increasing importance of prenatal pathology. The present status of the problem, its real efficiency, some directions of research trying to find more efficient methodologies and some personal opinions as to the perspectives are discussed.