Campomelic syndrome: experimental models and pathomechanism.

Experimental teratogenic models of the campomelic syndrome in duck and chick embryos and in frog tadpoles are presented. The association of selective growth impairment of the peripheral and facial nerve trunks including the spinal cord and nerve roots is suggested as an underlying cause for adaptive shortening of the corresponding skeletal parts. Buckling may occur because the growing bones tend to accommodate to these underdeveloped neurological structures even at the cost of a deformity. It is suggested that investigation of the effects of "skeletal" teratogens upon the nervous system may be more logical than concentrating upon bone growth which may be the secondary effect.