The role of toxicologic pathologists is to translate the diverse range of morphologic changes observed in toxicity studies into a uniform and readily understood set of diagnostic terms that can be tabulated and summarized in peer-reviewed publications or reports for regulatory submissions.
The essential components of the INHAND project are the Rodent Organ System or Non-rodent Species Working Groups. The Rodent Organ System Working Groups have the responsibility to prepare the nomenclature guidelines for both proliferative and non-proliferative lesions of rats and mice for their assigned organ system – 15 total systems. The Non-rodent Species Working Groups cover terminology specific to a species as well as noting diagnostic criteria that may be different from rodents for common lesions. The Non-rodent Working Groups include non-human primate, dog, minipig, rabbit and fish.
Substantial progress has been made to date – twelve of the 15 rodent organ systems have been published. Soft Tissue, Integument, Female Reproductive System, Digestive System, Cardiovascular System and Skeletal System and Tooth have been published in the Journal of Toxicologic Pathology (official journal of JSTP). The Respiratory System, Hepatobiliary System, Urinary System, Nervous System, Mammary, Zymbal’s, Preputial and Clitoral Glands, and Male Reproductive System have been published in Toxicologic Pathology (official journal of STP, BSTP and ESTP). Recommendations from an Apoptosis/Necrosis Working Group were published in Toxicologic Pathology. The Endocrine and Special Senses Systems are scheduled for publication in the Journal of Toxicologic Pathology in 2018. The Hematopoietic and Lymphoid System draft is scheduled for 2018.
