Testing lead neurotoxicity with an in vitro model

Numerous hazardous substances show neurotoxic effects after acute incorporation as well as after chronic exposure. Some organic solvents for example are known to cause polyneuropathy (e.g. Konietzko 1981, Greeersen et al. 1984, McCunney 1988). Exposure to heavy metals such as mercury or lead may result in an impairment of the central as well as of the peripheral nervous system (e.g. Zielhuis 1975, Triebig et al. 1981). Since knowledge about neurotoxicity is rather incomplete, the need for experimental test systems to investigate the mechanisms involved is quite obvious (Triebig et al. 1989). Furthermore, a test system allowing for the prediction of neurotoxicity would be of great importance with regard to the prevention of — in some cases irreversible — neuronal damages.