A novel approach to the search for in vitro alternatives to in vivo eye irritancy testing.

Cytotoxicity in terms of haemolytic potency in vitro of eight surfactants failed to correlate with in vivo rabbit eye irritancy. Ability of the same surfactants to block spontaneous contractions of mouse and rabbit isolated ileum (especially the latter), correlated better with in vivo findings in rabbit eyes. Effectiveness in blocking ileum contractions may depend both on ability to penetrate this tissue and to act at the target site. Using isolated tissue preparations offers a novel approach to the search for in vitro alternatives to in vivo eye irritancy testing.