Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Vol 5, Issue 11 651-661, Copyright © 1986 by American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Effect of ultrasound on development. Part 2: Studies in mammalian species and overview
M. R. Sikov
This report reviews and establishes patterns from the literature on
experimental ultrasound exposures of inframammalian embryos and prenatal
laboratory mammals. Exposure to ultrasound can produce adverse affects on
development, and the sensitivity and responses of the test systems vary
with the stage of development. Generally, however, deleterious effects are
demonstrable only with exposure parameters that far exceed those used in
clinical practice, and the few reports of mammalian embryotoxicity under
clinically relevant exposure conditions have not been repeatable. Although
it may be impossible to unequivocally establish absolute safety, there is a
need for further studies to evaluate subtle and delayed indicators of
developmental effects, potential mechanisms, and to attempt to estimate
threshold exposure conditions.
