Detection of teratogenic compounds using differentiating embryonic cells in culture

Methods are described for screening for teratogenic compounds using differentiating neural crest and prechondrogenic limb bud mesenchyme cells in culture. Substances to be tested are either added directly to the culture medium or are combined in a dialysis bag with the postmitochondrial fraction from rat liver and certain cofactors. In the latter case, the compound and its metabolites are gradually released into the medium from the dialysis bag. The results obtained with 14 compounds demonstrate a positive relationship between teratogenicity in vivo and alterations in the growth or the differentiation of the cultured cells.