ATLA::Alternatives to Laboratory Animals

Volume 24, Number 2

Relevance of animal studies in regulatory toxicology: current approaches in rats.

ATLA 24, 173-178, March/April 1996

Johannes J.M. Van De Sandt and Victor J. Feron

TNO Nutrition and Food Research Institute, Toxicology Division, P.O. Box 360, Zeist. The Netherlands

SUMMARY

With rapidly increasing knowledge of toxicological processes, the scientific value and relevance of toxicity studies for risk assessment must be re-evaluated. In this paper, it is proposed that the rigid risk evaluation currently required should be replaced by a more flexible, case-by-case approach, in order to increase the relevance of each animal test conducted. The development of new types of toxicity studies and their application in risk evaluation are also described.

Keywords: animal testing, regulatory toxicology, risk assessment