In vitro methodologies for enhanced toxicity testing

Abstract

This report will give a general overview of some of the in vitro methodologies used in toxicity testing. The use of computer-based structure-activity relationships and cell culture testing systems can provide valuable toxicological data for hazard and risk assessments. In vitro systems allow for a more rapid identification of toxic compounds and can be utilized to study mechanisms of toxicity at the cellular and subcellular level. The data derived from these types of studies can be used to improve the predictability of animal models for chemical or drug toxicity. This report focused on primary hepatocytes as an in vitro model for cytotoxicity and metabolic studies.