Abstract
THE embryotoxic effects of thalidomide are now well known and have been described by several workers1. However, the mechanism by which the drug produces its toxic effects on embryonic tissue is unknown. Furthermore, it is not known whether the toxicity arises from an interaction of the drug (or metabolite) with fœtal tissue or whether it is a secondary effect resulting from the influence of thalidomide on the mother. The teratogenic effect of thalidomide in the rabbit is particularly marked, and the toxic effect of the drug appears to be mainly exerted during the seventh–twelfth day of pregnancy2.
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References
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FABRO, S., SCHUMACHER, H., SMITH, R. et al. Identification of Thalidomide in Rabbit Blastocysts. Nature 201, 1125–1126 (1964). https://doi.org/10.1038/2011125a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/2011125a0
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