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The Xenopus laevis Embryo System for Evaluation of the Developmental Toxicity Using Non‐mammalian Species
Author(s) -
KAMIMURA Michiko,
TANIMURA Takashi
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
congenital anomalies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1741-4520
pISSN - 0914-3505
DOI - 10.1111/j.1741-4520.1986.tb00655.x
Subject(s) - xenopus , embryo , neural tube , teratology , biology , neurula , neurulation , embryogenesis , toxicity , microbiology and biotechnology , anatomy , andrology , toxicology , genetics , medicine , fetus , pregnancy , gastrulation , gene
The currently applied means for detecting teratogens require evaluations in mammals. Since these studies are so time consuming and expensive, establishment of inexpensive and rapid screening system for detecting potential teratogens is needed. In order to assess the usefulness of the Xenopus embryo for developmental toxicity testing, the effects of lead acetate on embryonic and larval development of Xenopus laevis were examined. Exposure to lead acetate produced lethality and abnormality in embryos and larvae and dose‐dependency was also noted. Main abnormality after the exposure of embryos before the neurula stage was unfused neural tube with various degrees. This abnormality was mainly attributable to degeneration and desquamation of the epithelium of neural groove and neural plate region. Abnormality induced by the exposure of embryos and larvae after neurulation was mainly edema in the thorax and abnormal flexure of the body axis. Based on our data and those of other investigators, it is proposed that Xenopus embryo is a good candidate for a simple and effective test system to evaluate teratogens.