SEDL / STP / STP921-EB / STP29035S

Utilization of Nonmammalian Test Systems to Predict Human Health Hazards

Goss, LB
Director, research technician, research intern, and principal research scientist, Battelle Columbus Division, Columbus, OH

Faulk, RT
Director, research technician, research intern, and principal research scientist, Battelle Columbus Division, Columbus, OH

Reveley, JW
Director, research technician, research intern, and principal research scientist, Battelle Columbus Division, Columbus, OH

Sabourin, TD
Director, research technician, research intern, and principal research scientist, Battelle Columbus Division, Columbus, OH

Pages: 16    Published: Jan 1986

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Abstract

Approximately 50 nonmammalian test systems were identified in a recent study that have potential for development, validation, and acceptance in the scientific and regulatory communities over the next 5 to 10 years. The areas for teratogenicity and neurotoxicity testing proved especially adept for development of alternative tests. Based on results of the evaluation, five of the highest priority alternative tests were implemented in our laboratory—three teratogenicity tests utilizing hydra, planaria, and frog embryos and two neurotoxicity tests utilizing chickens and fish. Several compounds that have tested either positive or negative in classical mammalian tests were used to evaluate the test systems. Results of the initial alternative nonmammalian test identification process and the subsequent laboratory testing program are presented. These results indicate there is significant potential for utilizing alternative systems in human health testing schemes to improve the assessment of human health impact, reduce associated toxicity testing time and costs, and to serve as early-warning systems in the environment.