Avian models in teratology and developmental toxicology.
The avian embryo is a long-standing model for developmental biology research. It also has proven utility for toxicology research both in ovo and in explant culture. Like mammals, avian embryos have an allantois and their developmental pathways are highly conserved with those of mammals, thus avian models have biomedical relevance. Fertile eggs are inexpensive and the embryo develops rapidly, allowing for high-throughput. The chick genome is sequenced and significant molecular resources are available for study, including the ability for genetic manipulation. The absence of a placenta permits the direct study of an agent's embryotoxic effects. Here, we present protocols for using avian embryos in toxicology research, including egg husbandry and hatch, toxicant delivery, and assessment of proliferation, apoptosis, and cardiac structure and function.
Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA. suesmith@nutrisci.wisc.edu
Susan M
SM
Smith
George R
GR
Flentke
Ana
A
Garic
D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002642:Chick Embryo / Q000166:cytology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D046508:Culture Techniques; D015509:Developmental Biology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods; D018600:Teratology; D018675:Toxicity Tests / Q000379:methods