Mechanistic background of the developmental neurotoxicity testing methods and the international trends of the testing strategies

Abstract

In classical toxicology, a toxic substance reaches the target molecule and induces malfunction. Signal toxicity is caused by a chemical that binds to a receptor. When the signal is abnormal for a cell or an organ in terms of quality, intensity and timing, then the signal will induce adverse effects to an organism. The developing neural systems are volnerable and can result in permanent neurobehavioral anomalies. The testing strategies of the Developmental Neurotoxicity is under debate between in vitro mechanistic frame work and in vivo testing battery plus mechanistic analysis.