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Developmental neurotoxicity testing in vitro: Models for assessing chemical effects on neurite outgrowth
Citation:
RADIO, N. AND W. R. MUNDY. Developmental neurotoxicity testing in vitro: Models for assessing chemical effects on neurite outgrowth. NEUROTOXICOLOGY. Intox Press, Inc, Little Rock, AR, 29(3):361-376, (2008).
Impact/Purpose:
To support criteria in MYP
Description:
In vitro models may be useful for the rapid toxicological screening of large numbers of chemicals for their potential to produce toxicity. Such screening could facilitate prioritization of resources needed for in vivo toxicity testing towards those chemicals most likely to result in adverse health effects. Cell cultures derived from nervous system tissue have proven to be powerful tools for elucidating cellular and molecular mechanisms of nervous system development and function, and have been used to understand the mechanism of action of neurotoxic chemicals. Recently, it has been suggested that in vitro models could be used to screen for chemical effects on critical cellular events of neurodevelopment, including differentiation and neurite growth. This review examines the use of neuronal cell cultures as an in vitro model of neurite outgrowth. Examples of the cell culture systems that are commonly used to examine the effects of chemicals on neurite outgrowth are provided, along with a description of the methods used to quantify this neurodevelopmental process in vitro. Issues relating to the relevance of cell culture models to developmental neurotoxicity testing, as well as their advantages and limitations are discussed.