Biomaterial Database

Mechanism of the teratogenic effect of thalidomide. 1976

J McCredie

The mechanism of the teratogenic effect of thalidomide is unknown. The hypothesis that this drug acts on the sensory nerves of the embryo was derived from radiological observations of two series of thalidomide-deformed children. Supplementary evidence was found in neurological, embryological and other literature, to support the hypothesis of embryonic neuropathy. The concept can be extended to include visceral as well as skeletal deformities. Evidence for and against the hypothesis is presented, and its application to a broad spectrum of congenital deformities provides an explanation of a number of previously unrelated facts. Areas for further research are suggested.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008954	Models, Biological	Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of biological processes or diseases. For disease models in living animals, DISEASE MODELS, ANIMAL is available. Biological models include the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment.	Biological Model,Biological Models,Model, Biological,Models, Biologic,Biologic Model,Biologic Models,Model, Biologic
D009420	Nervous System	The entire nerve apparatus, composed of a central part, the brain and spinal cord, and a peripheral part, the cranial and spinal nerves, autonomic ganglia, and plexuses. (Stedman, 26th ed)	Nervous Systems,System, Nervous,Systems, Nervous
D011859	Radiography	Examination of any part of the body for diagnostic purposes by means of X-RAYS or GAMMA RAYS, recording the image on a sensitized surface (such as photographic film).	Radiology, Diagnostic X-Ray,Roentgenography,X-Ray, Diagnostic,Diagnostic X-Ray,Diagnostic X-Ray Radiology,X-Ray Radiology, Diagnostic,Diagnostic X Ray,Diagnostic X Ray Radiology,Diagnostic X-Rays,Radiology, Diagnostic X Ray,X Ray Radiology, Diagnostic,X Ray, Diagnostic,X-Rays, Diagnostic
D001842	Bone and Bones	A specialized CONNECTIVE TISSUE that is the main constituent of the SKELETON. The principal cellular component of bone is comprised of OSTEOBLASTS; OSTEOCYTES; and OSTEOCLASTS, while FIBRILLAR COLLAGENS and hydroxyapatite crystals form the BONE MATRIX.	Bone Tissue,Bone and Bone,Bone,Bones,Bones and Bone,Bones and Bone Tissue,Bony Apophyses,Bony Apophysis,Condyle,Apophyses, Bony,Apophysis, Bony,Bone Tissues,Condyles,Tissue, Bone,Tissues, Bone
D004476	Ectodermal Dysplasia	A group of hereditary disorders involving tissues and structures derived from the embryonic ectoderm. They are characterized by the presence of abnormalities at birth and involvement of both the epidermis and skin appendages. They are generally nonprogressive and diffuse. Various forms exist, including anhidrotic and hidrotic dysplasias, FOCAL DERMAL HYPOPLASIA, and aplasia cutis congenita.	Anhidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia,Aplasia Cutis Congenita,Clouston's Syndrome,Ectodermal Defect, Congenital,Hidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia,Anhydrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia,Aplasia Cutis Congenita, Nonsyndromic,Autosomal Dominant Hidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia,Clouston Hidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia,Clouston Syndrome,Clouston's Hidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia,Congenital Ectodermal Defect,Defect, Congenital Ectodermal,Ectodermal Dysplasia 2, Hidrotic,Ectodermal Dysplasia Anhidrotic,Ectodermal Dysplasia, Anhydrotic,Ectodermal Dysplasia, Hidrotic,Ectodermal Dysplasia, Hidrotic, Autosomal Dominant,Hidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia, Autosomal Dominant,Hydrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia,Anhidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasias,Anhidrotic, Ectodermal Dysplasia,Anhidrotics, Ectodermal Dysplasia,Anhydrotic Ectodermal Dysplasias,Cloustons Syndrome,Congenital Ectodermal Defects,Defects, Congenital Ectodermal,Dysplasia Anhidrotic, Ectodermal,Dysplasia Anhidrotics, Ectodermal,Dysplasia, Anhidrotic Ectodermal,Dysplasia, Anhydrotic Ectodermal,Dysplasia, Ectodermal,Dysplasia, Hidrotic Ectodermal,Dysplasia, Hydrotic Ectodermal,Dysplasias, Anhidrotic Ectodermal,Dysplasias, Anhydrotic Ectodermal,Dysplasias, Ectodermal,Dysplasias, Hidrotic Ectodermal,Dysplasias, Hydrotic Ectodermal,Ectodermal Defects, Congenital,Ectodermal Dysplasia, Anhidrotic,Ectodermal Dysplasia, Hydrotic,Ectodermal Dysplasias,Ectodermal Dysplasias, Anhidrotic,Ectodermal Dysplasias, Anhydrotic,Ectodermal Dysplasias, Hydrotic,Hidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasias,Hydrotic Ectodermal Dysplasias,Syndrome, Clouston,Syndrome, Clouston's
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000014	Abnormalities, Drug-Induced	Congenital abnormalities caused by medicinal substances or drugs of abuse given to or taken by the mother, or to which she is inadvertently exposed during the manufacture of such substances. The concept excludes abnormalities resulting from exposure to non-medicinal chemicals in the environment.	Drug-Induced Abnormalities,Abnormalities, Drug Induced,Abnormality, Drug-Induced,Drug Induced Abnormalities,Drug-Induced Abnormality
D013723	Teratogens	An agent that causes the production of physical defects in the developing embryo.	Embryotoxins,Fetotoxins,Teratogen
D013792	Thalidomide	A piperidinyl isoindole originally introduced as a non-barbiturate hypnotic, but withdrawn from the market due to teratogenic effects. It has been reintroduced and used for a number of immunological and inflammatory disorders. Thalidomide displays immunosuppressive and anti-angiogenic activity. It inhibits release of TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR-ALPHA from monocytes, and modulates other cytokine action.	Sedoval,Thalomid