Neuropathology As a Screen for Neurotoxicity Assessment

Abstract

Pathology has been a cornerstone of toxicity testing for many years and is an integral part of the primary tier screen in the testing of drugs and chemicals for neurotoxicity. Because of the special nature of nervous tissue and its anatomical complexity, the approach to the evaluation can influence in a major way the effectiveness of the task. This report discusses issues which may account for variation in the degree of neuropathological assessment between laboratories. Both systematic and flexible approaches to the evaluation of neuropathology are discussed.