Cell models in the study of mechanisms of toxicity

Cell models, particularly in vitro systems, allow studies of toxicological mechanisms to be made under controlled conditions. One way that such mechanisms can be studied is by determining the reproducible changes that toxins induce, at the electron microscopic level, in the structure of cultured cells. A detailed description of such a study is given and includes preparation of the cell model, treatment of the cells, assessment of toxin-induced changes, and some general conclusions derived from experiments with this cell model. Other models which have been used for toxicological studies are also discussed with reference to advantages, limitations and potential applications.