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While this is still part of the teratological evaluation procedures today, the field of Teratology is moving to a more molecular level, seeking the mechanism(s) of action by which these agents act. One example of this is the use of mammalian animal models to evaluate the molecular role of teratogens in the development of embryonic populations ...
Teratogens are substances that may cause birth defects via a toxic effect on an embryo or foetus. Wikimedia Commons has media related to Teratogens . See also the categories Carcinogens and Mutagens
Teratogens are classified in four main categories: Drugs in pregnancy – in addition to environmental chemicals, includes recreational drug use and pharmaceutical drugs. Vertically transmitted infections; Radiation, such as X-rays; Mechanical forces, such as oligohydramnios; Teratogens affect the fetus by various mechanism including:
The effect of the developmental toxicants depends on the type of substance, dose, duration, and time of the exposure. The first few weeks of embryogenesis in humans is more susceptible to these agents. The embryogenesis is the most crucial time for the action of any teratogenic substances to result in birth defects.
Susceptibility to teratogenesis varies with the developmental stage at the time of exposure to an adverse influence. There are critical periods of susceptibility to agents and organ systems affected by these agents. Teratogenic agents act in specific ways on developing cells and tissues to initiate sequences of abnormal developmental events.
An example of a birth defect is cleft palate, which occurs during the fourth through seventh weeks of gestation. [14] Body tissue and special cells from each side of the head grow toward the center of the face. They join to make the face. [14] A cleft means a split or separation; the "roof" of the mouth is called the palate. [15]
Reproductive toxicity refers to the potential risk from a given chemical, physical or biologic agent to adversely affect both male and female fertility as well as offspring development. [1] Reproductive toxicants may adversely affect sexual function, ovarian failure, fertility as well as causing developmental toxicity in the offspring.
The thalidomide molecule is a synthetic derivative of glutamic acid and consists of a glutarimide ring and a phthaloyl ring (Figure 5). [15] [16] Its IUPAC name is 2-(2,6-dioxopiperidin-3-yl)isoindole-1,3-dione and it has one chiral center [15] After thalidomide's selective inhibition of TNF-α had been reported, a renewed effort was put in thalidomide's clinical development.