Bridging the gap between in vitro and in vivo models for neurotoxicology

In vitro systems are widely used for investigation of neurotoxicant-induced perturbations of cellular functions. A variety of systems exist that demonstrate certain similarities to neurotoxicant-induced events in the intact animal are discussed, including single-cell types, systems that consider endpoints relevant in toxicology, and systems that consider heterogeneous cell interactions. Relationships between the in vitro and in vivo systems are examined in which ethanol, lead, polychlorinated biphenyl compounds, and organophosphate insecticides are examples. Situations in which the in vitro systems have been used to advantage are provided, along with cautions associated with their use.