title: The science of teratology in a regulatory setting.
abstract: The science of teratology is discussed from a regulatory point of view. A brief history of this branch of toxicology is presented with emphasis on specific instances of the inadvertent production of birth defects in humans as a result of exposure to exogenous agents. The basic principles of teratology are elucidated as a means of understanding current test protocols and their scientific rationale. A typical, general protocol is given and some of the major shortcomings of such a bioassay are presented. Among these shortcomings are the problems of significance of fetal toxicity and lack of a postnatal component to the teratology test system. The teratogenic and/or fetotoxic potential of selected pesticides are examined with special reference to the bioassay problems alluded to. Pesticides discussed include cacodylic acid, endrin, benomyl, ETU, nitrofen, and mirex. Finally, a brief discussion of a proposed teratology screen using pregnant laboratory animals is presented.
mesh_terms: D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced; D000818:Animals; D001542:Benomyl / Q000633:toxicity; D002101:Cacodylic Acid / Q000633:toxicity; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical / Q000379:methods; D004732:Endrin / Q000633:toxicity; D005031:Ethylenethiourea / Q000633:toxicity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008917:Mirex / Q000633:toxicity; D010575:Pesticides / Q000633:toxicity*; D010647:Phenyl Ethers / Q000633:toxicity; D011247:Pregnancy; D013723:Teratogens
chemical_list: D010575:Pesticides; D010647:Phenyl Ethers; D013723:Teratogens; D005031:Ethylenethiourea; D002101:Cacodylic Acid; C007350:nitrofen; D004732:Endrin; D001542:Benomyl; D008917:Mirex