Developmental neuropathology in DNT-studies--a sensitive tool for the detection and characterization of developmental neurotoxicants.
Developmental neurotoxicity (DNT-) studies are the first reproduction toxicity studies for which an extended histopathological examination of developing structures is required by the current EPA and OECD guidelines. The morphological screening includes a macroscopic evaluation of the brain and nervous tissue, brain weight parameters, gross morphometry of the brain, neurohistological examinations and a quantitative analysis of major brain areas. This review is intended to give an overview about the needs according to guideline requirements, practical approaches for a successful developmental neuropathology and its preconditions and does include examples of background data on the value and functional meaning of morphological data. A selection of experimental data from literature is also presented in the light of their contribution for the understanding of important, neurodevelopmental disorders in humans.
Kaufmann
Wolfgang
W
Department of Product Safety, Regulations, Experimental Toxicology and Ecology, BASF AG, Ludwigshafen, Germany. wolfgang.kaufmann@basf.com
Gröters
Sibylle
S
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000196:embryology / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000633:toxicity; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000196:embryology / Q000473:pathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D018675:Toxicity Tests / Q000379:methods*
D015386:Hazardous Substances