Fertility, reproduction, and genetic disease: Studies on the mutagenic effects of environmental agents on mammalian germ cells

Journal Article · Thu Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1993 · Environmental Health Perspectives; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.93100283· OSTI ID:6755198

Shelby, M D; Bishop, J B; Mason, J M; Tindall, K R ^[1]

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1. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC (United States)

Because genetically based diseases have a major impact on human health, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has conducted a research and testing program for more than a decade to address chemical induction of heritable genetic damage in the germ cells of mammals. Although most genetic disease results from preexisting mutations, a portion is due to the occurrence of new mutations. The supposition that exposure to mutagenic chemicals contributes to the occurrence of new mutations in the human populations is strongly supported by the results from animal models. Such studies clearly demonstrate the potential of environmental chemicals to induce mutations in both somatic and reproductive cells of mammals. This NIEHS program has become a leader in the identification of genetic hazards in the environment and in the acquisition of animal model data used by regulatory agencies in assessing genetic risks to human health. 67 refs., 1 fig., 6 tabs.

• OSTI ID: 6755198
• Journal Information: Environmental Health Perspectives; (United States), Journal Name: Environmental Health Perspectives; (United States) Vol. 100; ISSN EVHPAZ; ISSN 0091-6765
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550400 -- Genetics
560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL VARIABILITY
GENETIC EFFECTS
GENETIC VARIABILITY
GERM CELLS
HUMAN POPULATIONS
MUTAGENS
MUTATIONS
POPULATIONS