The use of whole embryo culture to elucidate teratogenic mechanisms.

In the overview presented, only selected examples for the applicability of whole embryo culture, and a few examples for its use and possible misuse, are mentioned. In general, the system has proved suitable for elucidating mechanisms involved in abnormal development at this embryonic stage. However, it should be remembered that only a small window of prenatal development can be judged with this technique, and that the system is not well suited for elucidating many special effects and abnormalities induced at later stages of development. For this reason, no single in vitro system is suitable to study all kinds of problems in prenatal biology or toxicology. As emphasized before, the real significance of the whole embryo culture technique rests on the variety of methodological possibilities that can be modified by any creative scientist. In connection with in vivo and appropriate pharmacokinetic studies, this system will play an important role in the field of developmental biology and toxicology in the future.