Fetus functional

Recently, there has been increasing interest in the development of test methods to assess the possible adverse functional effects of exposing the fetus, both early and late in gestation (112,113). 

In addition to direct effects of chemical compounds on the fetus, metabolic disturbances in the mother, such as diabetes or hyperthermia, or deficiencies of calories or specific nutrients such as vitamin A, zinc, and folic acid may lead to teratogenesis. Compounds that inhibit placental functions may also induce malformations, e.g., by inhibiting placental circulation. For example, hydroxyurea disrupts the placental circulation and induces malformations. In addition, it also induces DNA damage. 

Schaal B., Marlier L. and Soussignan R. (1998). Olfactory function in the human fetus evidence from selective neonatal responsiveness to the odor of amniotic fluid. Behav Neurosci 112, 1438-1449. 

Schaal B., Orgeur P. and Rognon C. (1995). Odor sensing in the human fetus anatomical, functional and chemo-ecological bases. In Prenatal Development Psychobiological Perspectives (Krasnegor N.A., Fifer W.A. and Smotherman W.P., eds.). L. Erlbaum Ass, Hillsdale, N.J. 

Teratogen Any substance that leads to structural or functional abnormality in the fetus, including death. 

In the U.S., the central nervous system syndrome is usually more common among children, and the gastrointestinal syndrome is more prevalent in adults. Exposure to lead is also linked to decreased fertility in men. Lead is a probable human carcinogen, based on sufficient animal evidence. Populations at increased risk of toxicity from exposure to lead include developing fetuses and young children, individuals with decreased kidney function, and children with sickle-cell anemia. 

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