Alternative Methods In Neurotoxicology

Alternative Methods in Neurotoxicology, Volume Nine, the latest release in this series, provides an overview of important in vitro and non-vertebrate animal models available to study the neurotoxicity of a range of toxicants of occupational and environmental relevance. Chapters in this new release include Evaluation of mitochondrial function in neurotoxicology using alternative models, Planarians as a model to study neurotoxic agents, Role of Drosophila melanogaster in neurotoxicology studies: Responses to different harmful substances, Neurotoxicology of metals and metallic nanoparticles in Caenorhabditis elegans, Neurotoxicology of environmental toxicants using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model, Nauphoeta cinerea as an emerging model in neurotoxicology, and more. Other chapters cover Human Neural Stem Cells in Developmental Neurotoxicology: Current Scenario and Future Prospects, Use of Drosophila melanogaster for advances in developmental neurotoxicology studies, 3D neurospheres and neurotoxicity of organophosphorus and TCE, Genetic factors in methylmercury-induced neurotoxicity: what we have learned from Caenorhabditis elegans models, and more. Give an up-to-date about the utilization of popular invertebrates (Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans) in neurotoxicology Brings concise information on emerging invertebrate models in neurotoxicology (from basic to environmental approaches) Presents updates on the in vitro exploitation of human stem cell in developmental neurotoxicology

This volume explores the latest methods that seek to address the vital questions being asked in neurotoxicology research. The chapters in this book cover a variety of available methods from the molecular level to the organism level, and both in vitro and in vivo approaches, including alternative model organisms. In the Neuromethods series style, chapters include the kind of detail and key advice from the specialists needed to get successful results in your laboratory. Cutting-edge and authoritative, Experimental Neurotoxicology Methods is a valuable resource for both young and experienced researchers who are looking for guidance to implement these methods in their laboratories or for understanding the data generated through these techniques.

In recent years, the need to develop acceptable alternatives to conventional animal testing for neurotoxicity and developmental neurotoxicity has been increasingly recognized, and much effort is being directed toward the development of alternative models, utilizing mostly mammalian cells in culture but also non-mammalian model systems. In Vitro Neurotoxicology: Methods and Protocols presents a series of cellular, biochemical, and molecular methodological protocols in the area of in vitro neurotoxicology, with an emphasis on mammalian cell culture systems. Opening with a section on methodologies for preparing several cellular systems of variable complexity, amenable for in vitro neurotoxicological studies, the thorough volume continues with coverage of methods to measure cellular death and major mechanisms, methods for assessing mechanisms of nervous system cell toxicity related to impairment of cell signaling, while a final section illustrates additional methods for assessing important nervous system processes such as cell proliferation, neuritogenesis, and synaptogenesis. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series format, chapters include introductions to their respective subjects, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and cutting-edge, In Vitro Neurotoxicology: Methods and Protocols serves researchers with an interest in assessing or characterizing the potential neurotoxicity of environmental contaminants, drugs, or other chemicals.

Scientists agree that exposure to toxic agents in the environment can cause neurological and psychiatric illnesses ranging from headaches and depression to syndromes resembling parkinsonism. It can even result in death at high exposure levels. The emergence of subclinical neurotoxicity-the concept that long-term impairments can escape clinical detection-makes the need for risk assessment even more critical. This volume paves the way toward definitive solutions, presenting the current consensus on risk assessment and environmental toxicants and offering specific recommendations. The book covers: The biologic basis of neurotoxicity. Progress in the application of biologic markers. Reviews of a wide range of in vitro and in vivo testing techniques. The use of surveillance and epidemiology to identify neurotoxic hazards that escape premarket screening. Research needs. This volume will be an important resource for policymakers, health specialists, researchers, and students.

The History of Alternative Test Methods in Toxicology uses a chronological approach to demonstrate how the use of alternative methods has evolved from their conception as adjuncts to traditional animal toxicity tests to replacements for them. This volume in the History of Toxicology and Environmental Health series explores the history of alternative test development, validation, and use, with an emphasis on humanity and good science, in line with the Three Rs (Replacement,Reduction, Refinement) concept expounded by William Russell and Rex Burch in 1959 in their now classic volume, The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique. The book describes the historical development of technologies that have influenced the application of alternatives in toxicology and safety testing. These range from single cell monocultures to sophisticated, miniaturised and microfluidic organism-on-a-chip devices, and also include molecular modelling, chemoinformatics and QSAR analysis, and the use of stem cells, tissue engineering and hollow fibre bioreactors. This has been facilitated by the wider availability of human tissues, advances in tissue culture, analytical and diagnostic methods, increases in computational processing, capabilities, and a greater understanding of cell biology and molecular mechanisms of toxicity. These technological developments have enhanced the range and information content of the toxicity endpoints detected, and therefore the relevance of test systems and data interpretation, while new techniques for non-invasive diagnostic imaging and high resolution detection methods have permitted an increased role for human studies. Several key examples of how these technologies are being harnessed to meet 21st century safety assessment challenges are provided, including their deployment in integrated testing schemes in conjunction with kinetic modelling, and in specialized areas, such as inhalation toxicity studies. The History of Alternative Test Methods in Toxicology uses a chronological approach to demonstrate how the use of alternative methods has evolved from their conception as adjuncts to traditional animal toxicity tests to replacements for them. This volume in the History of Toxicology and Environmental Health series explores the history of alternative test development, validation, and use, with an emphasis on humanity and good science, in line with the Three Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) concept expounded by William Russell and Rex Burch in 1959 in their now-classic volume, The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique. The book describes the historical development of technologies that have influenced the application of alternatives in toxicology and safety testing. These range from single cell monocultures to sophisticated miniaturised and microfluidic organism-on-a-chip devices, and also include molecular modelling, chemoinformatics and QSAR analysis, and the use of stem cells, tissue engineering and hollow fibre bioreactors. This has been facilitated by the wider availability of human tissues, advances in tissue culture, analytical and diagnostic methods, increases in computational processing capabilities, and a greater understanding of cell biology and molecular mechanisms of toxicity. These technological developments have enhanced the range and information content of the toxicity endpoints detected, and therefore the relevance of test systems and data interpretation, while new techniques for non-invasive diagnostic imaging and high resolution detection methods have permitted an increased role for human studies. Several key examples of how these technologies are being harnessed to meet 21st century safety assessment challenges are provided, including their deployment in integrated testing schemes in conjunction with kinetic modelling, and in specialised areas, such as inhalation toxicity studies.

Written by a distinguished panel of experts, students and researchers will find that this comprehensive and accessible volume provides a framework for the study of nerve cells ^in vitro^n for use in experimental neurotoxicology.

This second edition of Neurotoxicology is valuable for scientists in government and industry who are responsible for public health and for the safe and efficient use of chemicals. This integrated approach to neurotoxicology will aid in the understanding of the sites and mechanisms of neurotoxicity, stimulate the formulation of testable hypotheses about how chemicals affect the nervous system, and help improve the risk assessment process. This edition focuses primarily on the neurobiological basis underlying neurotoxic sites and modes of action. The contents include: *molecular biological and in vitro approaches *potential cellular and molecular sites involving neuron-glia interactions *axonal transport *ion channels *metabolic influences on neurotoxicity *role of free radical formation in neurotoxicity *interaction between chemicals and trophic factors *endocrine disruptors *apoptosis in neurotoxicity *in vivo brain imaging *advances in measuring cognitive function *advances in developing quantitative models for neurotoxicology/risk assessment

Bringing together the recent and relevant contributions of over 125 scientists from industry, government, and academia in North America and Western Europe, Alternative Toxicological Methods explores the development and validation of replacement, reduction, and refinement alternatives (the 3Rs) to animal testing. Internationally recognized scientist