ATLA::Alternatives to Laboratory Animals

Volume 23, Number 1

The development and evaluation of in vitro tests by the FRAME Alternatives Laboratory.

ATLA 23, 75-90, January/February 1995

Richard H. Clothier, Karen A. Atkinson, Michael J. Garle, Rachel K. Ward and Angela Willshaw

FRAME Alternatives Laboratory, Department of Human Morphology, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK

SUMMARY

This review outlines the work which has been conducted in the FRAME Alternatives Laboratory during the first ten years of the FRAME Research Programme. A number of in vitro tests, including the kenacid blue, neutral red release and fluorescein leakage assay methods, have been evaluated and have subsequently been included in validation schemes organized by the US Soap and Detergent Association, the US Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, the European Commission and the European Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association, as well as in the Scandinavian multicentre evaluation of in vitro cytotoxicity testing scheme. More recently, research has been undertaken in the areas of phototoxicity, immunotoxicity, dermal toxicity and intercellular communication, in addition to investigations into fundamental mechanisms of toxicity.

Keywords: alternatives, in vitro toxicity testing, validation