The study of birth defects has assumed an importance even greater now than in the past because mortality rates attributed to congenital anomalies have declined far less than those for other causes of death, such as infectious and nutritional diseases. It is estimated that as many as 50% of all pregnancies terminate as miscarriages. In the majority of cases this is the result of faulty development. Major congenital malformations are found in at least 2% of all liveborn infants, and 22% of all stillbirths and infant deaths are associated with severe congenital anomalies. Teratological studies of an experimental nature are neither ethical nor justifiable in humans. Numerous investigations have been carried out in laboratory animals and other experimental models in order to improve our understanding of abnormal intra-uterine development. In less than two decades the field of experimental teratology has advanced phenomenally. As a result of the wide range of information that is now accumulating, it has become possible to obtain an insight into the causes, mechanisms and prevention of birth defects. However, considerable work will be needed before these problems can be resolved. This book brings together some of the more recent and important research findings related to the mechanisms and pathogenesis of abnormal develop ment. It is not only a documentation of the latest experimental work, but it also points out future directions that seem productive and challenging.

"This new edition will continue to serve as a reference for use by clinical and research geneticists, teratologists, obstetricians, and pediatricians."--BOOK JACKET.

Links information on experimental teratogenic agents with the congenital defects in human beings.

Marijuana is the most commonly used psychotropic drug in the United States, after alcohol. With the legalization and decriminalization of cannabis, momentum continues to build and propelled by the reduction of stigma associated to its consumption, there is growing concern regarding the long-term impact on brain function and behavior. Cannabis and the Developing Brain aims to provide comprehensive research on the effects of cannabis during neurodevelopment stages (i.e., perinatal and adolescent ages). This book introduces readers to vivo neural circuits, molecular and cellular mechanisms affected by cannabis exposure during three different temporal windows of brain vulnerability. Second, it offers a unique insight to shared neurobiological features of cannabinoid exposure during different developmental periods. Lastly, Cannabis and the Developing Brain determines the adverse impact of developmental cannabinoid exposure on specific cognition, emotion and behaviors. - Reviews exposure effects on different areas and circuits of the brain - Identifies effects of exposure at prenatal, perinatal, infant, and adolescent ages - Includes cannabis interaction with known genetic and environmental risk factors - Contains neurodevelopment and neuropsychiatric disorders associated with cannabis exposure

This comprehensive reference addresses all aspects of fetal and neonatal pathology, including complicated pregnancies, multiple pregnancies, abortion, placental pathology, and disorders affecting the full-term neonate. A consistent organization allows for quick access to specific guidance, and nearly 2,500 illustrations - 2,350 in full color - depict conditions and abnormalities as they present in practice, facilitating diagnosis. An Image Bank on CD-ROM - new to this edition - features all of the illustrations from the 2-volume set, downloadable for presentations. Offers comprehensive coverage of all common and rare embryonic, fetal, and infant disorders in one source. Correlates clinical, pathologic, and genetic findings for each systemic disease. Emphasizes the genetic and molecular basis of birth defects. Features nearly 2,500 illustrations - 2,350 in full color - which depict each abnormality or condition as they present in practice. Presents practical information on autopsy techniques and protocols. Provides the latest guidance on molecular pathology, immunohistochemistry, DNA technology, and more. Offers an expanded discussion of developmental biology related to the pathogenesis of birth defects. Features user-friendly summary tables and diagnostic flow charts, making information quick and easy to find. Includes a CD-ROM featuring all of the illustrations from the 2-volume set.

"A pregnant woman should not take any drug unless it is necessary for her own health or that of her fetus," note J. M. Friedman and Janine Polifka. "Counseling a pregnant woman about possible effects of an environmental or drug exposure on her developing embryo or fetus is an important component of her medical care." Here, from the authors of the comprehensive catalog of the TERIS database--Teratogenic Effects of Drugs: A Resource for Clinicians--is a concise guide for physicians and other health care practitioners to the potential teratogenic risks of the 250 most commonly used prescription, over-the-counter, and recreational drugs. The Effects of Drugs on the Fetus and Nursing Infant presents agent summaries adapted from the TERIS database, including data on teratogenicity, transplacental carcinogenosis, embyronic or fetal death, and fetal and perinatal pharmacologic effects of drugs. The authors also discuss the effects that maternal use of such drugs during lactation may have on the nursing infant. "These careful and meticulous authors have created a top-notch teratogen reference book. It is inexpensive and convenient to transport and use and will be popular with physicians, clinical geneticists, and genetics counselors. I highly recommend this book." -- David D. Weaver, M.D., Indiana University Medical Center

Animals and Medicine: The Contribution of Animal Experiments to the Control of Disease offers a detailed, scholarly historical review of the critical role animal experiments have played in advancing medical knowledge. Laboratory animals have been essential to this progress, and the knowledge gained has saved countless lives—both human and animal. Unfortunately, those opposed to using animals in research have often employed doctored evidence to suggest that the practice has impeded medical progress. This volume presents the articles Jack Botting wrote for the Research Defence Society News from 1991 to 1996, papers which provided scientists with the information needed to rebut such claims. Collected, they can now reach a wider readership interested in understanding the part of animal experiments in the history of medicine—from the discovery of key vaccines to the advancement of research on a range of diseases, among them hypertension, kidney failure and cancer.This book is essential reading for anyone curious about the role of animal experimentation in the history of science from the nineteenth century to the present.