TOX 4000 Study Guide - Final Guide: Teratology, Thalidomide, Macular Degeneration
30 Dec 2017
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Document Summary
Developmental toxicology encompasses the study of developmental exposures, pharmacokinetics, mechanisms, pathogenesis, and outcomes potentially leading to adverse health effects. Manifestations of developmental toxicity include structural malformations, growth retardation, functional or metabolic impairment, and/or death of the organism. Developmental exposures may also alter the risk of diseases in adulthood. Developmental toxicology defined as such is a relatively new science, but teratology, the study of structural birth defects, as a descriptive science preceded written language. Derivation of the word teratology is from the greek work for monster, teras. Principles of teratology were put forth by james wilson in 1959; much progress has been made in the ensuing decades, yet these principles have withstood the test of time and remain basic to developmental toxicology. Likely multiple mechanisms involved for a single agent: the access of adverse influences to developing tissues depends on the nature of the influence (agent). Remember, the developing fetus is susceptible to low doses of toxicants compared with adults:
