Frequently asked questions
Systemic toxicity: target organs, nervous system

How do you test the neurotoxic effects of chemical substances?

The OECD guidelines propose a validated test: "Test No. 424: Neurotoxicity study".

This guideline is designed to provide the information needed to confirm or better characterize the potential neurotoxicity of chemicals in adult animals.

This guideline uses rats. It specifically addresses the daily oral administration of the test substance by gavage (in the diet, in drinking water or in capsules).

• It is performed on at least 20 animals (10 females and 10 males) in each dose, with at least three treated groups and one control group.

• Dose levels should be chosen taking into account any previously observed toxicity and any kinetic data available for the test substance....