Development and standardization of screening methods for behavioral teratology

Abstract

Abstract Behavioral alterations have been reported following perinatal exposures to a variety of agents. If subtle effects of this type are to be detected and prevented, sensitive and appropriate measures are needed for prospective screening of new compounds. However, studies reported in the literature have used differing exposure regimens, postnatal environmental conditions and behavioral testing procedures thus making it difficult to determine which existing techniques have particular relevance to screening new drugs and chemicals. It is imperative that such techniques be identified or new ones be developed for screening purposes, as the incorporation of behavioral evaluation into regulatory guidelines and protocols is being considered seriously. Before behavioral assessment can become a meaningful aspect of a routine screening system, considerable research and development must occur. The objectives of such a behavioral screen must be defined. Procedural standardization must be included in efforts to identify those methods which: (1) yield reproducible results within and across laboratories; (2) are sensitive to alterations produced by a range of agents; (3) are predictive of effects in man; (4) are cost‐efficient. Identification of positive control agents, critical periods for testing and early indicators of behavioral dysfunction is urgently needed. The utility of pharmacologic/environmental challenges in unmasking functional abnormalities, and the possibility of multitesting interactions should be investigated. As the resources necessary to accomplish such a task are enormous, it is imperative that behavioral teratologists from academia, industry and government work together during all phases of such development. Interlaboratory cooperation in standardization, validation and interpretation of test methods and results is especially encouraged.