Citation:

Moser, V. C. Functional Observational Battery Testing for Nervous System Effects of Drugs and Other Chemicals. Presented at American College of Toxicology, November 04 - 07, 2012.

Impact/Purpose:

This is a presentation reviewing the use of behavioral testing data in safety pharmacology and neurotoxicology, to be presented in a Continuing Education course entitled "CNS Safety Pharmacology".

Description:

Screening for behavioral toxicity, or neurotoxicity, has become standard practice in preclinical safety pharmacology and toxicology. Behavior represents the integrated sum of activities mediated by the nervous system. Current screening batteries, such as the functional observational battery (FOB), are derived from protocols used in pharmacology, toxicology, and psychology. While there is a range of protocols in use today, most focus on detailed observations and specific tests of reflexes and responses to assess autonomic, neuromuscular, and sensory function, as well as levels of activity and excitability. FOB tests have been shown to be valid in detecting expected effects of known neurotoxicants, and reliable and reproducible when compared across laboratories. Regardless of the specific protocol used, proper conduct and statistical analyses of the data are critical. Interpretation is based on the information from individual endpoints as well as the profile, or pattern, of effects observed.

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