title: Assuring safety without animal testing: the case for the human testis in vitro.
abstract: From 15 to 17 June 2011, a dedicated workshop was held on the subject of in vitro models for mammalian spermatogenesis and their applications in toxicological hazard and risk assessment. The workshop was sponsored by the Dutch ASAT initiative (Assuring Safety without Animal Testing), which aims at promoting innovative approaches toward toxicological hazard and risk assessment on the basis of human and in vitro data, and replacement of animal studies. Participants addressed the state of the art regarding human and animal evidence for compound mediated testicular toxicity, reviewed existing alternative assay models, and brainstormed about future approaches, specifically considering tissue engineering. The workshop recognized the specific complexity of testicular function exemplified by dedicated cell types with distinct functionalities, as well as different cell compartments in terms of microenvironment and extracellular matrix components. This complexity hampers quick results in the realm of alternative models. Nevertheless, progress has been achieved in recent years, and innovative approaches in tissue engineering may open new avenues for mimicking testicular function in vitro. Although feasible, significant investment is deemed essential to be able to bring new ideas into practice in the laboratory. For the advancement of in vitro testicular toxicity testing, one of the most sensitive end points in regulatory reproductive toxicity testing, such an investment is highly desirable.
authors.affiliation: Drug Safety R&D, Pfizer, Inc., Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA. robert.e.chapin@pfizer.com
authors.forename: Robert E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Chapin
authors.forename: Kim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Boekelheide
authors.forename: Rita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cortvrindt
authors.forename: Majorie B M
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: van Duursen
authors.forename: Tim
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gant
authors.forename: Bernard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Jegou
authors.forename: Emma
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Marczylo
authors.forename: Ans M M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: van Pelt
authors.forename: Janine N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Post
authors.forename: Maarke J E
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Roelofs
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schlatt
authors.forename: Katja J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Teerds
authors.forename: Jorma
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Toppari
authors.forename: Aldert H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Piersma
mesh_terms: D000826:Animal Testing Alternatives; D000818:Animals; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013737:Testis / Q000166:cytology*; D023822:Tissue Engineering; D018675:Toxicity Tests / Q000379:methods*