US EPA

33396 

Journal Article 

The teratogenic effects of metals on mammalian embryos 

Ferm, VH 

1972 

0 

Advances in Teratology
ISSN: 0065-342X 

NIOSH/00130186 

5 

51-75 

Malformations in mammalian systems produced by metals are reviewed. The effects of essential trace elements zinc (7440666), manganese (7439965), copper (7440508), cobalt (7440484), and molybdenum (7439987) in mammalian embryonic development are discussed. These effects are described in terms of excesses or deficiencies. Other metals having teratogenic effect on mammalian embryonic development, including lead (7439921), cadmium (7440439), arsenic (7440382), mercury (7439976), and indium (7440746) are considered. The teratogenic effects of cadmium in face and palate, arsenic on head and kidney, indium on limb buds, and lead on tail buds are summarized. The interaction of heavy metals to protect against or potentiate teratogenic effects is detailed. These include the protection of zinc and of lead against the teratogenic effects of cadmium, and the protection of selenium (7782492) against the teratogenic effects of cadmium and arsenic. Nickel (7440020) is presented as a potent carcinogen, and lithium (7439932) as a therapeutic element in humans, with teratogenic activity in lower forms. The author concludes that investigations of interactions between metals and embryo development will result in a better understanding of organogenesis in general, and teratogenic mechanisms in particular. 

DCN-118682; Trace analysis; Teratogens; Physiological response; Therapeutic agents; Embryotoxicity; Carcinogenicity; Biological effects; Toxic effects; Embryopathology