title: [Behavioral effects of exposure as indicators of neurotoxicity].
abstract: All the guidelines and methodological recommendations issued by international organizations, as well as proposals published by independent groups of scientists, emphasize the importance of behavioural testing in the process of neurotoxicity assessment. It stems from the conviction that behaviour, being the 'end product' of the concerted action of many neural subsystems, is the most sensitive indicator of the presence of adverse effects within the nervous system. The purpose of the paper presented was to highlight the structural and functional properties of the nervous system, owing to which the exposure-induced disturbance of the functional balance may initiate processes resulting in a significant change in the primary behavioural response. The final result may be the restoration of the functional balance (compensation, tolerance) or to the contrary, an increased susceptibility to a disturbing factor (sensitization). In both instances the magnitude of the behavioural effect is being changed from one exposure to another which make it rather an unreliable indicator of neurotoxicity. Therefore, conclusions concerning neurotoxicity of a chemical, based on the behavioural end-points, should be drawn with great caution, especially while establishing NOAELs and LOAELs.
authors.affiliation: Zakładu Toksykologii i Kancerogenezy, Instytutu Medycyny Pracy, Lodzi.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gralewicz
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects; D002617:Chemical Industry; D006801:Humans; D009498:Neurotoxins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D009498:Neurotoxins
vernacular_title: Zachowanie jako wskaźnik skutków neurotoksycznych.