Identification of neurotoxic chemicals in cell cultures

In order to identify the neurotoxic potential of drugs or chemicals in vitro, a combination of different in vitro cell culture tests is required. Depending on the type and use of a given test compound, a sequential exposure of freshly isolated and cultured hepatocytes and chicken brain cells is suitable. In order to find out more about the stability of liver-derived metabolites, co-cultures are appropriate. In order to determine how metabolites enter the brain, a combination of an in vitro system which mimics the blood-brain barrier and choroid plexus is proposed.