Teratogenicity testing in vitro: post-implantation whole-embryo culture

By Giavini, E. - Broccia, M.L. - Prati, M.

Various in vitro models have recently been tested for the assessment of developmental toxicity. Since the mechanisms involved in chemically-induced embryotoxicity are complex and numerous, a good in vitro assay must be able to detect developmental toxicants which act via most or all of these mechanisms. The rodent whole-embryo culture seems to fit this requirement, because it undergoes all of the fundamental processes of development. Also, physical relationships between cells and tissues are maintained and morphogenesis can proceed normally. In fact, in vitro development of early post-implantation embryos closely parallels that occurring in utero. This assay appears to be particularly relevant for the detection of teratogenic and embryotoxic chemicals.