The ECITTS integrated toxicity testing scheme: The application of in vitro test systems to the hazard assessment of chemicals.

A multicentre project has been designed, with the purpose of developing the concept of integrated in vitro testing. The aim is to use non-animal methods to assess the toxicological properties of chemicals, and to improve this assessment through the use of knowledge of mechanisms of toxic action. A number of tests or test batteries were selected within eight areas: basal cytotoxicity, irritancy, developmental toxicology, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity and biokinetics. For each area, a number of calibration chemicals were selected. In an initial pilot study, the neurotoxic properties of five chemicals will be studied in combination with a biokinetic analysis, in which blood and brain concentrations will be predicted from biokinetic modelling.