Congenital malformations and transplacental cancers.

The development of the mammalian embryo can be impaired by physical and chemical exogenous agents, leading to congenital malformations or tumours. These accidents represent at present the main cause of perinatal mortality and postnatal morbidity. The principles of teratogenicity and of transplacental cancers are analysed and the therapeutical implications of the prenatal pathology are examined.

Identification and assessment of the effects of chemicals on reproduction and development (reproductive toxicology).

Most studies for determining the reproductive toxicity of a chemical have to be conducted with whole animals. Test procedures used to investigate parts or the whole of the reproductive cycle are described in current guidelines. Other techniques, such as in vitro methods, and those for investigating specific events in the cycle, are under development.