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Alternatives to in vivo Tests to Detect Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) in Fish and Amphibians
Citation:
SCHOLZ, S., P. RENNER, L. S. ORTEGO, S. BELANGER, F. BUSQUET, R. DAVI, B. DEMENEIX, J. S. DENNY, M. LEONARD, M. MCMASTER, DAN VILLENEUVE, AND M. EMBRY. Alternatives to in vivo Tests to Detect Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) in Fish and Amphibians. Presented at SETAC Europe 21st Annual Meeting, Milan, ITALY, May 15 - 19, 2011.
Impact/Purpose:
A critical analysis was performed to (1) determine the strengths and limitations of each alternative assay identified and (2) present conclusions regarding chemical specificity, sensitivity, and correlation with in vivo data.
Description:
A significant amount of current research in risk assessment of chemicals is targeted to evaluate alternative test methods that may reduce, replace or refine the use of animals, while ensuring human and environmental health and safety. In 2009, the US EPA began implementation of the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program which includes Tier 1 screening assays in fish and frog species which are closely aligned with the OECD test guideline series 229 and 231. However, these assays use a large number of animals and are quite long in duration relative to an ideal screening assay. As the Tier 1 assays screen and prioritize a large number of chemicals for possible endocrine activity shorter-term and alternative to animal tests would be advantageous. In order to identify potential alternatives, a literature search was conducted and a database with alternatives to fish and frog tests testing methodologies assembled. Data from 1995 to present were collected related to the detection/testing of estrogen-, androgen-, and thyroid-active chemicals in the following test systems: cell lines, primary cells, fish/frog embryos, yeast, bacteria, cell free systems, and “omics” technologies. A critical analysis was performed to (1) determine the strengths and limitations of each alternative assay identified and (2) present conclusions regarding chemical specificity, sensitivity, and correlation with in vivo data. A summary of the most promising alternative assays will be presented.