A peptide agonist of the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), C3, protects against developmental defects induced by a teratogen pyrimethamine.

The neural cell adhesion molecule, NCAM, not only plays an important role in neuronal migration, differentiation and formation of connections in the developing nervous system, but also in the condensation of the mesodermal mesenchyme of the limb bud. Therefore, NCAM may be regarded as a target molecule for preventive strategies aimed at minimizing the effects of teratogens affecting the prenatal development of the nervous system and the skeleton. Treatment of fetuses with the teratogen pyrimethamine results in a reduced body weight, microcephaly and malformations of the hind limbs and forelimbs, e.