Teratogenicity Testing

This fully updated volume collects laboratory techniques and tests to assess the risks to embryo-fetal development from drug exposure during early developmental stages. Beginning with a section detailing basic principles of teratogenicity, the book continues with application of in vitro models for teratogenic screening to predict toxicity in embryonic animals and humans, as well as a variety of well-established in vivo animal model tests, which offer solutions for evaluating the efficacy and the teratogenicity of compounds in preclinical trials before human safety testing. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Teratogenicity Testing: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition serves as an ideal guide to tests that can be performed in cells, organs, tissues, and animal models for evaluating toxicity and/or safety of compounds in early developmental stages with the goal of estimating, preventing, or minimizing the teratogenic potential of drugs.