Comments on the Use of Diverse Cell Systems in Toxicity Testing

Abstract

To initiate a discussion of the relative merits of various cell systems in acute toxicity testing we have considered the suitability of seven systems in testing three types of toxicity i.e. systemic toxicity in general, systemic toxicity to specific target organs, and local toxicity Available data indicate that systemic toxicity can be predicted by simple systems with non-differentiated cell lines, as well as by primary cultures of hepatocytes. The combined use of both cell systems is probably the method of choice. Specific, cellular, target organ toxicity is often tested in primary cultures of various specific cells. Such use of these cells seems to be irrational, and ought to be replaced by a parallel use of specific and non-specific cell cultures. An analysis of the differential cytotoxicity to both cell types would then point out specific target organ toxicity. It is uncertain whether non-specific cell lines or primary cultures of target-specific cells should be used in tests of local toxicity. Future parallel use of both cell types to produce data on differential cytotoxicity would settle the question.