Immune Makeup of the Teratogenic Response: Implications for Teratological Screening

Abstract

It was shown in the 1980s and early 1990s that fetomaternal immune interactions are important determinants influencing the embryo's development. Extreme complexity of the immune response, its feedback link with the neuroendocrine system and the striking diversity of processes that are dependent on or controlled by immune substrates during the embryo's development suggest that the genetically determined immune response may be one of the intrinsic factors determining the tolerance to teratogens as well. This study examined the evidence for such a hypothesis and some problems of teratological screening arising in the light of this evidence.

Key Words: :

• Immune response
• Teratogens
• Teratological testing