Toxicity Testing with in Vitro Systems: I. Ocular Tissue Culture

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Abstract
There is a role for tissue culture systems in contemporary toxicology. In vitro cell and tissue culture systems can be used as screening tests, studies on mechanism of action, personnel monitoring, and risk assessment to supplement and expand whole animal studies. In vitro screening tests offer the possibility of saving time and money and could play a major role in setting priorities for product development and more extensive toxicological evaluation. Advances in organ, tissue, and cell culture techniques now make it possible to consider the evaluation of the toxicological potential of xenobiotics. These systems allow the study of general nonspecific cytotoxicity and the study of toxic effects on differentiated functions of cells from target organs and tissues. Ocular toxicity testing may use cells from the cornea, lens, retina, and other ocular tissues to examine changes in differentiated function of these specialized cell types. The development and application of a comprehensive strategy for ocular toxicity testing in vitro is considered. The limitations of such a strategy are discussed.