Toxicological study on the effect of diflubenzuron (1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(2,6-difluorobenzoyl)-urea) on rat C-6 astrocytoma cells in vitro

Toxicology of insecticides to mammals

Many insecticides target structures or functions in non-target species, including mammals. This is particularly true of those that target the insect nervous system, such as the organochlorines, anticholinesterases and GABA antagonists. Another group of insecticides target structures or functions not present in mammals, and this group of insecticides has considerable target species specificity, but there are often potential targets in mammals. Octopamine is closely related to adrenaline and amitraz (an octopamine receptor agonist) and acts in mammals at α2-adrenergic receptors. Although there are potential targets in mammals for juvenile hormone mimics and ecdysone receptor agonists, there is no evidence that the mammalian toxicity of either group is related to their insecticidal activity. Nor do chitin synthesis inhibitors have high mammalian toxicity.

Toxicology investigations with cell culture systems

This review concerns some of the cell culture systems that are most frequently used in toxicology investigations. In particular, it sets out to evaluate the effectiveness of these cell culture systems in assessing the toxic potential of chemicals. Metabolic studies and general and specific toxicology investigations are highlighted. Specific toxicology investigations relate to the effects of the tests substances on the highly specialized functions typical of the cell systems chosen. The general toxicology investigations include most of the other studies where differentiated or undifferentiated cells have been used to evaluate the effects of the tested substances on common basic biochemical processes essential for life. Lastly, we have attempted to focus attention on the most promising applications of cell cultures in toxicology studies for the near future and to identify those areas where further research is needed. Because of the several excellent reviews that already exist, we have decided not to consider cell cultures utilized in screening potential mutagens and carcinogens. We have also excluded investigations of drug therapeutic effects and action mechanisms of drugs.