THE IPCS COLLABORATIVE STUDY ON NEUROBEHAVIORAL SCREENING METHODS

The International Programme on Chemical Safety sponsored a collaborati ve study to evaluate the utility of neurobehavioral test methods for i dentifying neurotoxic chemicals. The protocol consisted of a functiona l observational battery and automated assessment of motor activity. Th e study involved four laboratories in the United States and four in Eu rope, each of which evaluated the dose- and time-related effects of se ven prototypic chemicals following both single and 4-week repeated exp osures. The protocol was designed to assess the general utility and re liability of neurobehavioral screening procedures in a diversity of te sting situations. The results of chemical testing indicated that all p articipating laboratories generally could detect and characterize the effects of known neurotoxicants, despite some differences on specific endpoints. These data provide important information regarding the reli ability and sensitivity of neurobehavioral screening methods over a ra nge of laboratory conditions. The purpose of this workshop was to desc ribe the background and study design of the collaborative effort, pres ent the data (including comparison of results across laboratories), an d discuss issues regarding the conduct and interpretation of these beh avioral tests, as well as future directions for neurotoxicity screenin g. (C) 1997 Society of Toxicology.