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Embryonic and fetal development: fundamental research
B P Schmid1, P Honegger, P Kucera
1Zyma SA, Preclinical Development and Drug Safety, Nyon, Switzerland.
Reproductive Toxicology (Elmsford, N.Y.)
|January 1, 1993
Summary
In vitro assays for developmental toxicity testing show promise for screening chemicals and understanding toxicity mechanisms. While not replacing in vivo tests, these methods aid human risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Developmental toxicology
- In vitro toxicology
- Embryonic development
Background:
- In vitro assays have evolved from fundamental research tools to developmental toxicity testing.
- Modifications were necessary to adapt these assays for toxicity assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the progress and application of in vitro techniques in developmental toxicity testing.
- To highlight the utility of specific in vitro systems like rat whole embryo culture.
Main Methods:
- Focus on the rat whole embryo culture system.
- Review modifications for in vitro chick embryo and fetal rat brain cell aggregate cultures.
Main Results:
- In vitro tests cannot currently replace in vivo developmental toxicity tests.
- These assays are valuable for chemical screening and mechanistic insights.
Conclusions:
- In vitro methods offer crucial information on developmental toxicity mechanisms and human relevance.
- Combining in vitro, in vivo, and pharmacokinetic data enhances human risk assessment.