ABSTRACT
Reproductive toxins are divided into two major categories, direct and indirect acting. This chapter suggests a working definition for reproductive toxins, and focuses on some assumptions used in reproductive toxicology risk assessment. The assumptions used in reproductive toxicology risk assessment are equal sensitivity of humans and animals and destruction of germ cells by mutagens. The chapter provides one approach to developing methods for reproductive risk assessment in human populations based on the understanding of the regulation of fecundity and fertility. One of the critical issues in reproductive toxicology for risk assessment is the identification of the site and mechanism of action of compounds which alter reproductive function. It is useful to focus on the comparative reproductive toxicity of cyclophosphamide (CTX) in primates, subhuman primates and rodents. The chapter explores the age-dependent difference in ovarian response to CTX using a rodent model.
