[Cultivation of mammalian postimplantation embryos outside the body]

The possibility is considered to use in vitro cultivation of the embryos of laboratory rodents at the postimplantation developmental stages in experimental embryology and teratology. Different variants of the method are estimated and the optimal conditions of cultivation are described (nutrient medium, gaseous phase, depth of explants' immersion, rate of medium flow, etc). The causes are discussed which limit the duration of in vitro development and enhance the appearance of some defects. The results are given for application of the method when studying the mechanisms of teratogenic effect of chemical drugs.