Developmental neuropathology of environmental agents.
The developing central nervous system (CNS) is more vulnerable to injury than the adult one. Although a great deal of research has been devoted to subtle effects of developmental exposure, such as neurobehavioral changes, this review instead focuses on a number of chemicals that have been shown, in several experimental models as well as humans, to cause morphological changes in the developing nervous system. Chemicals that are discussed include methylmercury (MeHg), lead (Pb), antiepileptic drugs, and ethanol. Additionally, the issue of silent neurotoxicity, i.e., persistent morphological and/or biochemical injury that remains clinically unapparent until later in life, is discussed.
Costa
Lucio G
LG
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, USA. lgcosta@u.washington.edu
Aschner
Michael
M
Vitalone
Annabella
A
Syversen
Tore
T
Soldin
Offie Porat
OP
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects*; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000196:embryology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000139:chemically induced*; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000633:toxicity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000196:embryology / Q000209:etiology; D020262:Mercury Poisoning, Nervous System / Q000196:embryology / Q000209:etiology; D008767:Methylmercury Compounds / Q000633:toxicity; D011247:Pregnancy
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D008767:Methylmercury Compounds; D000431:Ethanol