Chromosome aberrations as a cause of subtle teratogenesis and use of the grasshopper neuroblast to test potential mutagens and teratogens

摘要

The possible effects of low doses of environmental mutagens on the human embryo are discussed in terms of chromosome aberrations that could result in subtle teratogenesis, i.e., functional defects not detectable at birth. The action of a mutagen on the cells of an early stage human embryo has the potential of producing teratogenesis by inducing a viable chromosome aberration, e.g., a terminal deletion. Such an event would give rise to a mosaic individual. It is proposed that a functional defect of the central nervous system is the most likely result. The advantages of the neuroblast of the grasshopper embryo for detecting potential mutagens-teratogens are presented. In addition, the mitotic effects of mutagens which may also cause teratogenesis can be easily ascertained in great detail in the neuroblast, which has a short cell cycle (4 h at 38° C) and which can be observed in the living condition