先天異常研究とガン研究との関連性

抄録

Many parallelisms exist between teratogenesis and carcinogenesis. Somatic cell division is a prerequisite for both. Of the small number of compounds which have been bioassayed for both effects, the majority have produced malformations and cancer. The same compound may have different effects, dependent upon the stage of development of the organism at the time of exposure. Thus, a compound found to be carcinogenic to mature cells might be teratogenic to immature, embryonic cells. Some chemical agents given during fetal life produce cancer which becomes obvious during postnatal life. Oncology appears to have evolved further than teratology in that a number of clearly stated hypotheses have been proposed concerning the concepts of somatic mutation, alteration of immune response, protein deletion, and altered regulatory circuits. A review of pertinent literature in both disciplines indicates that these hypotheses of carcinogenesis may be applicable to studies in teratogenesis. Evidence on the mechanism of a carcinogenic agent might be used to elucidate its possible teratogenic activity. Conversely, detailed studies in organogenesis which are required for teratology can serve as a framework for carcinogenic investigation.