Assessing the neurotoxic potential of chemicals--a multidisciplinary approach.

Since 1981, the development of methodology to assess the neurotoxic potential of chemicals has been a high priority within the International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS). Following the completion of an in-depth review of the scientific principles and methods for the assessment of neurotoxicity associated with chemical exposures, IPCS started to develop a multidisciplinary and comprehensive approach for neurotoxicity testing of chemicals. In view of the complexity of the nervous system and the variety of effects caused by chemicals, no single test or approach will be appropriate. Initially, IPCS evaluated neurobehavioral tests as well as in vitro procedures as screening tests, and an international collaborative study of neurobehavioral tests appropriate for screening chemicals for neurotoxicity is now in progress. Possible integration of higher level neurobehavioral tests with neurophysiological, biochemical, and pathological procedures in future testing strategies are discussed.