THE DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF IN-VITRO TESTS BY THE FRAME ALTERNATIVES LABORATORY

This review outlines the work which has been conducted in the FRAME Al ternatives Laboratory during the first ten years of the FRAME Research Programme. A number of in vitro tests, including the kenacid blue, ne utral red release and fluorescein leakage assay methods, have been eva luated and have subsequently been included in validation schemes organ ised by the US Soap and Detergent Association, the US Cosmetic, Toilet ry and Fragrance Association, the European Commission and the European Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association, as well as in the Scand inavian multicentre evaluation of in vitro cytotoxicity testing scheme . More recently, research has been undertaken in the areas of phototox icity, immunotoxicity, dermal toxicity and intercellular communication , in addition to investigations into fundamental mechanisms of toxicit y.