Evaluation of phototoxic and photoallergic potentials of 13 compounds by different in vitro and in vivo methods.

Phototoxic side effects of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products are of increasing concern for patients, dermatologists and the chemical industry. Moreover, the need of new chemicals and drugs puts pressure on pre-clinical test methods for side effects, especially interactive adverse-effects with UV-light. So, the predictive potential of different established test methods, which are used regularly in our departments in order to detect the phototoxic potential of chemicals, were analyzed.

Respiratory hypersensitivity to trimellitic anhydride in Brown Norway rats: a comparison of endpoints.

A rat bioassay has been developed to provide an objective approach for the identification and classification of respiratory allergy using trimellitic anhydride (TMA), which is a known respiratory tract irritant and asthmagen. Particular emphasis was placed on the study of route-of-induction-dependent effects and their progression upon inhalation challenge with TMA (approximately 23 mg m(-3) for a duration of 30 min), which included analysis of specific and non-specific airway hyperreactivity and pulmonary inflammation initiated and sustained by immunological processes. Refinement of the bioassay focused on procedures to probe changes occurring upon challenge with TMA or methacholine aerosols using physiological, biochemical and immunological procedures.