Agonistic and antagonistic toxic effects observed with miniaturized growthand luminescence inhibition assays

Kinetic data recordings with miniaturized growth and luminescence inhibitio n assays with prokaryotes (Pseudomonas putida and Vibrio fischeri) reveal t ypical sample and species specific growth and light emission patterns respe ctively. Growth inhibiting influences, based on toxicokinetic and toxicodyn amic sample specifities appeared in each growth phase. Agonistic and antago nistic effects of combinations of heavy metals like Cd2+, Hg2+ and Pb2+ and other compounds were easily recognized after accurate curve discussions. S ome of the influences that made it more difficult to evaluate toxicological results only by restriction on EC Values (effective concentrations) were i nvestigated. The findings may lead to a more comprehensive interpretation o f toxicological data and a presumption on the composition of complex sample s in terms of screening investigations. Therefore, the conclusions demonstr ate the possibilities and limits of kinetic data recordings in chronic and acute toxicity testing. (C)1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.