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NEUROBEHAVIORAL METHODS USED IN NEUROTOXICOLOGICAL RESEARCH
Citation:
Tilson, H. NEUROBEHAVIORAL METHODS USED IN NEUROTOXICOLOGICAL RESEARCH. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/J-94/033 (NTIS PB94137213).
Description:
Exposure to chemicals in the environment and workplace can have adverse effects on the nervous system. ehavioral endpoints are being used with greater frequency in the hazard identification phase of neurotoxicology risk assessment. ne reason behavioral procedures are used in animal neurotoxicology studies is that they evaluate neurobiological functions known to be affected in humans exposed to neurotoxic agents, including alterations in sensory, motor, autonomic and cognitive function. n hazard identification, behavioral tests are used in a tiered-testing context. ests in the first tier are designed to determine the presence of neurotoxicity. xamples of first-tier behavioral tests include functional observational batteries and motor activity. econd tier tests are used to characterize neurotoxicant-induced effects on sensory, motor and cognitive function. econd tier tests are usually more complex and costly to perform. eliance on behavioral endpoints in neurotoxicology risk assessment will likely increase in the future.