<abstract xml:lang="en" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Exposure of the developing organism to industrial chemicals and physical factors represents a serious risk factor for the development of neurobehavioral disorders, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism and mental retardation. Appropriate animal models are needed to test potentially harmful effects and mechanisms of developmental neurotoxicity of various chemical substances. However, there are significant human vs. rat differences in the brain developmental profile which should be taken into account in neurotoxicity studies. Subtle behavioral alterations are hard to detect by traditional developmental toxicity and teratogenicity studies, and in many cases they remain hidden. They can however be revealed by using special behavioral, endocrine and/or pharmacological challenges, such as repeated behavioral testing, exposure to single stressful stimulus or drugs. Further, current neurobehavioral test protocols recommend to test animals up to their adulthood. However some behavioral alterations, such as anxiety-like behavior or mental deficiency, may become manifest in later periods of development. Our experimental and scientific experiences are highly suggestive for a complex approach in testing potential developmental neurotoxicity. Strong emphasis should be given on repeated behavioral testing of animals up to senescence and on using proper pharmacological and/or stressful challenges.</p></abstract>

Exposure of the developing organism to industrial chemicals and physical factors represents a serious risk factor for the development of neurobehavioral disorders, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism and mental retardation. Appropriate animal models are needed to test potentially harmful effects and mechanisms of developmental neurotoxicity of various chemical substances. However, there are significant human vs. rat differences in the brain developmental profile which should be taken into account in neurotoxicity studies. Subtle behavioral alterations are hard to detect by traditional developmental toxicity and teratogenicity studies, and in many cases they remain hidden. They can however be revealed by using special behavioral, endocrine and/or pharmacological challenges, such as repeated behavioral testing, exposure to single stressful stimulus or drugs. Further, current neurobehavioral test protocols recommend to test animals up to their adulthood. However some behavioral alterations, such as anxiety-like behavior or mental deficiency, may become manifest in later periods of development. Our experimental and scientific experiences are highly suggestive for a complex approach in testing potential developmental neurotoxicity. Strong emphasis should be given on repeated behavioral testing of animals up to senescence and on using proper pharmacological and/or stressful challenges.

Evaluation of developmental neurotoxicity: some important issues focused on neurobehavioral development

Institute of Experimental Pharmacology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic

Department of Psychology, Philosophical Faculty, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic

1st Pediatric Hospital, School of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic

Interdisciplinary Toxicology

Exposure of the developing organism to industrial chemicals and physical factors represents a serious risk factor for the development of neurobehavioral...

Evaluation of developmental neurotoxicity: some important issues focused on neurobehavioral development

Published Online: Nov 01, 2010

Page range: 206 - 210

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10102-010-0042-y

Keywords
neurobehavioral toxicity, neurobehavioral development, behavior, behavioral disorders, open field, habituation, endocrine system, brain, rodents

This content is open access.

Evaluation of developmental neurotoxicity: some important issues focused on neurobehavioral development

Published Online: Nov 01, 2010

Page range: 206 - 210

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10102-010-0042-y

Keywordsneurobehavioral toxicity, neurobehavioral development, behavior, behavioral disorders, open field, habituation, endocrine system, brain, rodents

This content is open access.

Keywords
neurobehavioral toxicity, neurobehavioral development, behavior, behavioral disorders, open field, habituation, endocrine system, brain, rodents