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ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS FOR NEUROTOXICITY FIELD TESTING: PEARL II AND ALTERNATIVES
Citation:
Otto, D. AND K. Hudnell. ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS FOR NEUROTOXICITY FIELD TESTING: PEARL II AND ALTERNATIVES. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/D-89/092 (NTIS PB89223986).
Description:
Pearl II, a computerized battery of electrophysiological tests designed for neurotoxicity field testing, was developed a decade ago. he battery includes sensory evoked potentials (auditory, somatosensory and visual), event related slow brain potentials (CNV,P30O), and associated behavioral measures. ield testing capabilities have been demonstrated in pediatric lead studies (Otto et al., Environ. Res. 1985, 38: 168-186). everal dozen Pearl II systems are currently being used in fixed base laboratories. actors which limit the use of Pearl II in neurotoxicity field testing include: 1) operation and maintenance of the system requires a highly trained staff; 2) Pearl II is a relatively expensive system; 3) it is not commercially available or serviced; 4) the hardware is obsolescent. lthough sensory evoked potential tests have proven to be very sensitive to chemical exposure in humans and animals, the effectiveness of such tests for neurotoxicity screening of exposed populations has not been demonstrated. Several commercial systems suitable for neurotoxicity field testing are reviewed briefly. Electrophysiological tests of visual toxicity currently under development are also described.