Toxicology of sensory systems: a perspective

This brief review is the result of a recent meeting of the British Toxicology Society (Toxicology of Sensory Systems, University of York, April 2-3, 1992). The meeting provided the opportunity to discuss the anatomy, physiology and function of the eye, ear, nasal epithelium and peripheral sensation and the methods that are available to detect injury or dysfunction both in the preclinical and clinical situation. In addition, the mechanism whereby certain chemicals can perturb some of these organs was discussed. The aim of this short article is to highlight some of the recent advances in understanding in these areas with regard to their relevance or impact on toxicology. For convenience the areas will be discussed under separate headings.