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Published on: December 2, 2018
Assuring safety without animal testing: the case for the human testis in vitro
Robert E Chapin1, Kim Boekelheide, Rita Cortvrindt
1Drug Safety R&D, Pfizer, Inc., Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA. robert.e.chapin@pfizer.com
Reproductive Toxicology (Elmsford, N.Y.)
|April 25, 2013
Summary
Developing in vitro models for mammalian spermatogenesis is crucial for toxicological risk assessment. Advanced tissue engineering shows promise for improving these models, despite the complexity of testicular function.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Biology
- In Vitro Models
Background:
- The workshop focused on in vitro models for mammalian spermatogenesis and their application in toxicological hazard and risk assessment.
- Sponsored by the Dutch ASAT initiative, the goal was to promote innovative, animal-free toxicological testing using human and in vitro data.
- Participants discussed compound-mediated testicular toxicity and reviewed existing alternative assay models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the state of the art in in vitro models for mammalian spermatogenesis.
- To explore applications in toxicological hazard and risk assessment.
- To brainstorm future approaches, including tissue engineering, for alternative testing methods.
Main Methods:
- A workshop was convened with experts in toxicology and reproductive biology.
- Discussions included reviewing current evidence of testicular toxicity and existing alternative models.
- Future strategies, particularly tissue engineering, were brainstormed.
Main Results:
- The complexity of testicular function presents challenges for developing rapid in vitro models.
- Progress has been made, with tissue engineering offering potential new avenues.
- Significant investment is required to translate innovative ideas into practical laboratory applications.
Conclusions:
- Advancing in vitro testicular toxicity testing is essential for regulatory reproductive toxicity assessment.
- Tissue engineering holds promise for creating more accurate in vitro models of testicular function.
- Investment is crucial to develop and implement these advanced alternative testing methods.
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