Novel in vitro Approaches for the Detection of Acute Neurotoxicity Using Emerging Technologies

Abstract

There is a gap in knowledge when it comes to the effects of chemicals on human health. In particular, the adverse effects on the developing and mature brain are of concern. Presently, neurotoxicity assessment of chemicals relies on behavioral and neuropathological studies. Although well accepted they are not suitable for systemic testing due to their time consumption, costs and providence of limited mechanistic information. To overcome such limitations, it is generally recommended to develop and make use of suitable tiered testing strategies making use of in vitro systems. However, consensus has not been reached on the design of such strategies due to the complexity of the nervous system, and the restrictions on endpoints to maintain feasibility. The present study aimed at developing and assessing the suitability of novel and promising in vitro approaches and technologies to integrate in vitro testing strategies for neurotoxicity testing. Overall, three in vitro systems were studied which evaluated the effects of chemicals on: mechanisms of cell death, neuronal function, and biochemical cellular processes in an efficient, comprehensive, and mechanistic manner.JRC.I.2-Validation of biomedical testing method