Chapter 2 - Principles for In Vitro Toxicology

Abstract

In vitro assays for toxicological studies is the refinement and replacement of animal testing in order to minimize the use of traditional animal-based toxicology studies. In the recent decades, in vitro methods have been routinely used as these can be correlated with the in vivo studies and can help in understanding a specific in vivo response in any given species. Optimization of cell culture is the major primary step to in vitro studies as it includes handling of cells and tissues outside the body under controlled conditions. Explant, organotype culture, primary, secondary cell lines, and three-dimensional culture methods are routinely used for in vitro screening of toxicants. On the basis of established in vivo toxicity assays, new in vitro toxicity test methods have been developed. In vitro cytotoxicity testing, biotransformation, and mechanistic investigations based studies can be effectively used as a cost-effective method for determination of toxicity.