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ANIMAL MODELS OF COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT IN NEUROTOXICITY
Citation:
Stanton, M. ANIMAL MODELS OF COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT IN NEUROTOXICITY. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/D-91/188 (NTIS PB91231076).
Description:
The thesis of this chapter has been that spatial delayed alternation versus position discrimination learning can serve as a valuable rodent model of cognitive development in neurotoxicology. his model captures dual process conceptualizations of memory in human neuropsychology and involves procedures that are operationally very similar to those that have been used to address these conceptualizations in human and nonhuman primates. his model also captures the developmental profile and, at least In a general way, common neural mechanisms of cognitive development In human and nonhuman primates. inally, this model reveals effects of heavy metals on cognitive development that would have been predicted from knowledge of the neuroanatomical effects of developmental exposure to these compounds. n addition, some of this work reveals properties of developmental neurotoxicity that resemble those claimed for environmental lead (Davis, 1990). n sum, this model system fulfills in a general way the criteria for animal models proposed earlier (and by investigators of other neurobehavioral disorders, Bartus & Dean, 1987; Solomon & Pendlebury, 1988). urther use of this model may better permit investigation of the basic mechanisms of developmental neurotoxicity as it relates to impaired cognitive development. se of this model for regulatory purposes (safety evaluation, risk assessment) may also provide greater confidence concerning applicability of rodent data to human risk than is possible on the basis of other rodent test methods.