Toxicity Assessment Methods and Protocols

This book collects protocols from different areas of knowledge to assist in the identification of toxic effects exerted by different xenobiotics. At the same time as classical techniques are presented, modern techniques with alternative models to the use of animals are also presented. Given the ever-increasing exposure to different compounds and their effects on population health, the assessment of multiple endpoints is of utmost importance for better risk assessment, and this collection addresses that need. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. 

The Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis Genotoxin Sensitivity Assay.- Skin Sensitization Tests: The LLNA and the RhE IL-18 Potency Assay.- Skin Equivalent Models: Protocols for In Vitro Reconstruction for Dermal Toxicity Evaluation.- Intravital Microscopy: A Tool to Investigate the Toxicity in the Immune System, Vessel Rheology, and Xenobiotic Distribution.- Cell-Based Biosensor to Visualize Nitric Oxide Release from Living Cells for Toxicity Assessment.- In Vitro Contraction of Isolated Cauda Epididymal Duct Smooth Muscle as a Complimentary Approach to Physiological, Pathological, Toxicological, and Pharmacological Studies on Epididymal Function.- Early Life Stage Assays in Zebrafish.- Assessment of Urothelial Cytotoxicity at Morphological and Molecular Levels: Urinary Bladder as Target Organ.- Evaluation of Development of the Rat Uterus as a Toxicity Biomarker.- Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) Activity in Embryos of Zebrafish.- Ecotoxicity Assays Using Freshwater Planarians.- Toxicogenomic Analysis.- Strategy Combining Non-Animal Methods for Ocular Toxicity Evaluation.- Immunocytochemistry Analysis of HepG2 Cell 3D Culture Encapsulated as Spheroids in Alginate Beads.- Oxygen Consumption Evaluation: An Important Indicator of Metabolic State, Cellular Function and Cell Fate Along Neural Deregulation.- Mitochondrial Bioenergetic Assays as a Standard Protocol for Toxicological and Metabolic Assessment.- In Vitro Apoptotic Cell Death Assessment.