3 - Continuous Cell Lines as a Model for Drug Toxicity Assessment

Abstract

The use of cell culture techniques in toxicological investigations is referred to as in vitro cytotoxicology. In vitro cytotoxicological methods have demonstrated that the direct interaction of chemicals with human and animal cells is responsible for the toxic effects. The necessity to determine the effects of industrial chemicals and pharmaceuticals that are developed and marketed at rapid and unprecedented rates has provoked the need for fast, simple, and effective test systems. Although the normal rate of progression of any scientific discipline is dictated by the progress within the scientific community, some areas have experienced more encouragement than others. As a result political and societal pressures have influenced research initiatives toward the development of alternative methods of toxicity testing. Cell systems detect a wide spectrum of unspecified mechanisms and effects. In contrast to animal experiments, however, all cell tests of general toxicity in current use measure the concentration of a substance which damages components, structures, or biochemical pathways within the cells. Cell methods, including the use of primary cultures and in vitro pharmacokinetic studies, are used as screening tests for the development of new therapeutic drugs, to assess acute and chronic toxicity. Setting the protocols according to this sequence reduces the number of animals needed for in vivo testing. In addition, highly cytotoxic products are screened using cellular methods, thus eliminating the need to expose animals to these compounds.