Abstract
Keywords
The first scientific session, titled “Toolbox for the Evaluation of the Musculoskeletal System,” was cochaired by Jacquelin Jolette and Theresa Boulineau, held at the STP 36th Annual Symposium. This session sets the framework for the remainder of the meeting by presenting several talks which highlighted the available tools that could be used to determine the changes in primarily bones. The first presentation by Aurore Varela reviewed a series of tools and end points including biomarkers, biomechanics, imaging tools, and histomorphometry that are integral to research and regulatory toxicology studies. This was followed by an informative talk by John Vahle in which he updated the attendees on the status of the bone and joint INHAND document. He used specific case studies to address diagnostic criteria and philosophy behind the agreed upon terminology. Finally, Matthew Allen discussed the advantages and limitations of various preclinical models when conducting skeletal research including the effects of species, age, and anatomy on study design and end points.