Developmental Pathophysiology, Develop. Physiol., Dr. D. Penney

Table 4.01. Reasons for embryonal / fetal susceptibility.

• More rapid cell division.

• Immature biological barriers (i.e. blood brain barrier).

• Relative lack of metabolic detoxification and excretion mechanisms.

• Preferential concentration of toxins in the fetus (e.g. Minamata syndrome in Japan {methyl Hg}).

• Relatively poor immunosurveillance.

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