ATLA::Alternatives to Laboratory Animals

Volume 22, Number 1

The Galileo Data Bank on toxicity testing with in vitro alternative methods. I. General structure.

ATLA 22, 20-31, January/February 1994

Nicola Loprieno1, Guido Boncristiani2, Elena Bosco1, Maria Nieri1, and Gregorio Loprieno3

1Genetic Toxicology Laboratory, University of Pisa, via San Giuseppe 12, 56126 Pisa; 2Biological Research Planning, SAS, via Damiano Chiesa 5, 56123 Pisa; 3Technical Services SAS, via Vecchia Lucchese 59, 56123 Pisa, Italy

SUMMARY

Toxicity testing of chemicals by means of in vitro alternative methods to the use of animals has been extensively developed, as documented by a variety of studies. The interpretation of results and the comparative evaluation of data derived from various cell toxicity studies require organization by a computerized data system, capable of handling the large number of variables included in different assays, such as cell lines, methods of treatment with the chemical, methods used to evaluate the biological effect, endpoints considered, etc.

The Galileo Data Bank has been developed by the Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology at the University of Pisa, as a scientific instrument to be used in the analysis and organization of results obtained in the toxicity testing of chemicals by means of in vitro alternative methods.

Keywords: alternative methods, animal tests, replacement, database, In vitro toxicity testing