INVITRO EMBRYOTOXICITY AND TERATOGENICITY STUDIES

During the past decade many publications have appeared describing test methods for in vitro toxicological research and emphasizing their desirability, appropriations and necessity. One reason for this might be the pressure imposed on regulatory, industrial and academic communities by society to reduce the number of animals used in research and testing strategies. In addition, sophisticated analytical techniques have been developed that allow the measurement of small quantities of biologically important material. Moreover, the present knowledge gained in the area of tissue culture and in vitro embryo culture allows the application of these techniques for more routine studies on the one hand, and studies on mechanisms of action of teratogens in model systems of isolated developmental processes on the other hand. With respect to reproductive toxicity, embryotoxicity and teratogenicity there are now diverse systems available ranging in organizational complexity from bacteria, insects, invertebrates, lower vertebrates, avian embryos and mammalian cells, tissues and organs to whole rodent embryos. This presentation serves only as an introduction to the complex issues raised by the many methods available. The concomitant application of both in vivo and in vitro methodologies will improve the quality of teratological research, and therefore will contribute to a critical evaluation of developmental hazards. © 1990.