Cell Culture Methods For In Vitro Toxicology

Cell Culture Methods for in vitro Toxicology introduces the reader to a range of techniques involved in the use of in vitro cell culture in toxicological studies. It deals with major cell types studied in the field of toxicology and will be useful for anyone wishing to start work with animal cell cultures or to refresh their knowledge relating to in vitro cell models. Fundamental chapters deal with the general biology of cytotoxicity and cell immortalisation these are key issues for in vitro systems addressing the `3Rs' principle. Up-to-date overviews deal with the use of cells from liver, brain and intestine. In addition, biochemical analysis of cell responses, biotransformation pathways in cells and recombinant approaches to the early detection of cell stress are also covered in detail. Prominent features of in vitro technologies also include regulation, biosafety and standardisation. Dedicated chapters deal with these issues in a practical way in order to lead the reader to the right source of information. This book provides an up-to-date, informative and practical review of cell culture methods for in vitro toxicology. It will be of equal benefit to students and experienced toxicologists with little experience of in vitro cell culture.

First Published in 1994, Introduction to In Vitro Cytotoxicology examines in vitro cytotoxicology, which offers new methodologies to toxicity testing. This important new discipline of modern toxicology is gaining increased acceptance as a viable alternative to traditional testing methods. The text discusses the application of in vitro cytotoxicology to toxicity testing and human risk assessment, and it analyzes the advantages and limitations of the tests performed under scientific and regulatory conditions. The book also reviews the optimum utilization of certain tests for specific groups of chemicals relevant to validation programs currently in progress. This book is a useful reference tool for students, researchers, and practitioners interested in academic, industrial, and regulatory toxicology; environmental health; cell biology; pharmacology; dentistry; or human and veterinary medicine.

Toxicology has made tremendous strides in the sophistication of the models used to identify and understand the mechanisms of agents that can harm or kill humand and other higher organisms. Non-animals or in vitro models started to gain significant use in the 1960s. As a result of the increased concern over animal welfare, economic factors, and the need for greater sensitivity and understanding of mechanisms, interest in in vitro^n models has risen. This volume demonstrates that there now exists a broad range of in vitro models for use in either identifying or understanding most forms of toxicity. The availability of in vitro models spans both the full range of endpoints (irritation, sensitization, lethality, mutagenicity, and devlopmental toxicity) and the full spectrum of target organ systems (skin, eye, heart, liver, kidney, nervous system, etc.). Chapters are devoted to each of these speciality areas from a perspective of presenting the principal models and their uses and limitations. Chapters that overview the principles involved in the general selection and use of models, and that address the issues of safety concerns and regulatory acceptance of these methods are also included.

The volume brings together the once disparate knowledge of cultural techniques and thus provides an important reference work for industrial and academic toxicologists.

Methods in Toxicology, Volume 1: In Vitro Biological Systems, Part A provides basic techniques employed by widely recognized scientists to prepare and maintain the biological components of in vitro model systems. The book discusses the in vitro models of neural and neuromuscular systems; ocular system; respiratory system; cardiovascular system; and gastrointestinal system. The text also describes liver slices; liver hepatocytes; other liver cell systems; proximal tubule fragments; kidney cell culture; reproductive and developmental systems; immune system; and skin. Pharmacologists, toxicologists, cell biologists, physiologists, immunotoxicologists, and molecular toxicologists will find the book invaluable.

Growing cells in 2D under static conditions has long been the gold standard of cell culture, despite this method not being representative of the complex in vivo environment. The use of animal models also has clear ethical and scientific limitations, and increasingly the 3Rs (replacement, refinement, reduction) in relation to animal models are being integrated into the modern-day scientific practice. Focusing on new 3D in vitro methods now available to researchers, this book brings together examples of leading-edge work being conducted internationally for improving in vitro cell culture methods, in particular the use of systems for enabling cell culture under laminar flow and the use of 3D scaffolds for providing cells with a structure which replicates the function of the extracellular matrix and encouraging interactions more akin to an in vivo environment.

In Vitro Methods in Pharmaceutical Research provides a comprehensive guide to laboratory techniques for evaluating in vitro organ toxicity using cellular models. Step-by-step practical tips on how to perform and interpret assays for drug metabolism and toxicity assessment are provided, along with a comparison of different techniques available. It is a welcome addition to the literature at a time when interest is growing in cellular in vitro models for toxicology and pharmacology studies. Meets the continuing demand for information in this field Compares In Vitro techniques with other methods Describes cell-culture methods used to investigate toxicity in cells derived from different organs Includes contributions by leading experts in the field