Central nervous system development and

Dono, R. Fibroblast growth factors as regulators of central nervous system development and function. Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol. 284 R867-R881, 2003. 

CBP displays important functions during central nervous system development and increasing evidence suggests that CBP loss of function is involved not only in RTS but also in further neurodegenerative diseases, such as polyglutamine-related pathologies (Fiuntington s disease), Alzheimer s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [9]. 

Selevan et al., 2000). This has been worked out in some detail for certain systems and agents (e.g. central nervous system development and radiation exposure) in most cases, however, the exact time when organ systems are susceptible to the actions of toxic chemicals is unknown. Limited data are available on susceptibility during the adolescent period, but with the current greater interest in the effects of hormonally active agents, more information is becoming available. 

It is important to remember that fish and shellfish are high-quality food sources of protein and nutrients and that they are low in saturated fats. They contain nutrients that are essential for proper central-nervous-system development and function, and they might have potential health benefits in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer. A reduction in the consumption of fish and shellfish might result in dietary patterns that are generally more harmful. 

Doe, C. Q. (1992). Molecular markers for identified neuroblasts and ganglion mother cells in the Drosophila central nervous system. Development 116 855-863. 

Grossly elevated concentrations of dissolved copper produce teratogenicity in fish embryos. A significant number of malformed fish larvae came from eggs treated with 500 pg Cu/L (Birge and Black 1979). In studies with laboratory animals and elevated concentrations of copper salts, copper penetrates the placental barrier into the fetus intramuscular injection of 4 mg Cu/kg BW early in pregnancy adversely affects fetal central nervous system development (Aaseth and Norseth 1986). In humans, no definitive data are available on whether copper can cause birth defects however, incubation of human spermatozoa with metallic copper results in loss of sperm motility (Aaseth and Norseth 1986). 

Matise MP, Epstein DJ, Park HE, Plad KA, Joyner AL (1998) Gli2 is required for induction of floor plate and adjacent cells, but not most ventral neurons in the mouse central nervous system. Development 125 2759-2770... 

Van der Pol, M.C., Hadders-Algra, M,. Huisjes, H.J., and Touwen, B.C. (1991) Antiepileptic medicaton in pregnacy late effects on the children s central nervous system development. Am J Obstet Gynecol 164 121-128. 

Recently developed drugs, known as ampakines, have been clinically shown to enhance learning and memory skills. These "smart pills" are being developed as a possible treatment for narcolepsy, attention deficit disorder, and Alzheimer s disease. Once approved by the FDA, physicians can prescribe them for off-label uses, such as jet lag or age-related forgetfulness.These agents act primarily within the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), and they do not cause the jitteriness commonly associated with caffeine or amphetamines. 

In summarizing evidence for the participation of deranged sympatho-adrenal ( neurogenic ) factors in human hypertension, it must be concluded that such factors have been conclusively demonstrated only in cases of pheochromocytoma, central nervous system trauma, and increased intracranial pressure. There is presumptive evidence that neurogenic factors may be important during the early, labile phases of essential hypertension and that the effects of this early sympatho-adrenal activity may lead to a persistent hypertension on a renal basis later in life. However, the development of hypertension through this or any other mechanism occurs only in individuals predisposed by some completely unknown, but probably hereditary, influence. 

Inhalation studies in humans and animals and oral studies in animals demonstrate that chlorobenzene can affect the central nervous system, liver, and kidneys. Chlorobenzene did not affect the developing fetus, was not genotoxic, and did not affect reproduction. Data has not provided clear evidence that chlorobenzene causes cancer in animals. Existing data are considered inadequate to derive human minimal risk levels for acute and chronic exposures. 

Most developmental neurotoxicity studies have focused on general impairment of behaviour, but some studies have also found evidence for effects on sexual dimorphic behaviour. Hormones play a central role in central nervous system development, including the sexual differentiation of the brain. Studies on hormones and various endocrine disrupting chemicals (particularly those with estrogenic or antiandrogenic effects) have shown that the developing brain may be susceptible to disturbances in sexual behaviour. Therefore, effects on one sex but not the other should not be dismissed, but must be evaluated in the context of effects on sexual differentiation of the brain. 

Rodier PM (1994) Vulnerable periods and processes during central nervous system development. Environ Health Perspect, 102(Suppl 2) 121-124. 

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