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TESTING FOR DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROTOXICITY: CURRENT APPROACHES AND FUTURE NEEDS.
Citation:
Crofton, K M. AND W R. Mundy. TESTING FOR DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROTOXICITY: CURRENT APPROACHES AND FUTURE NEEDS. Presented at International Neurotoxicology Association, Dresden, Germany, 6/23-27/03.
Description:
There are many adverse effects on the nervous system following exposure to environmental chemicals during development. In a number of cases (e.g., lead, methyl mercury) the developing nervous system is a highly susceptible. Developmental Neurotoxicity Testing (DNT) guidelines were developed by the US EPA in 1991 in response to the recognized need for regulatory-based screening methods for developmental neurotoxicity. Advances made since 1991 in understanding nervous system development warrant revisiting the guidelines in terms of their practicality and their efficiency. Future needs for the DNT can be divided into three general research efforts. The first effort should be to conduct an un-biased review of current guidelines to identify opportunities for refining the test methods and improving data interpretation. The second effort should be aimed at developing test batteries that are specifically targeted for chemical classes with known mechanisms, such as insecticides. These more targeted batteries are anticipated to be more sensitive and more efficient to conduct. The goal of the final effort is to develop in vitro, high-throughput, testing protocols that employ biomarkers of key events in the developing nervous system that, if disrupted would lead to adverse outcomes. This abstract does not necessarily reflect the policy of the US Environmental Protection Agency.