Behavioral methods in reproductive and developmental toxicology

A questionnaire was sent to 75 representatives of 71 pharmaceutical companies or toxicology contract laboratories to determine the extent of behavioral teratology (neurobehavioral development) testing currently conducted by the pharmaceutical industry. The form used was a modification of one used by Buelke-Sam and Kimmel. The present survey made inquiry about test methods employed, test species, animal age at testing. CNS functions believed to be measured, other toxicologic endpoints measured concomitantly, correlation of other observations with behavioral alterations, advantages and disadvantages of test methods used, influence of current regulatory requirements on the extent of testing, and utilization of positive controls. Forty-five responses (60%) were received and 26 of these (58%) indicated that some behavioral testing was being conducted. None of the respondents was performing the same combination of specific tests or classes of tests. As in 1978, testing facilities acknowledged a need for some kind of behavioral testing, but with flexibility as to specific methods. Of 13 specified classes of behavior, about half of the respondents were testing 6 classes or more of behavior and were evaluating all agents under development. The primary test subject was the weanling rat. Overall, there have been no major changes in the frequency of sampling from behavioral classes or use of specific tests of behavior since 1978.