Session II: Assay and Exposure Technology of In Vitro Mammalian Cell Systems Applied to Airborne Agents

Abstract

Welcome to the session on in vitro mammalian assay systems. I would like to thank Dr. Tice and the organizers of this symposium for the opportunity to present our particular bias regarding the use of mammalian cells for short-term bioassays of genotoxic agents. Our position is that bioassay systems using mammalian cells in vitro are competitive with those systems using microbial or plant cells with respect to speed, economy, sensitivity and reliability. In addition, mammalian cells offer greater relevance to genotoxic responses in mammals or even human subjects. Although the in vitro models do not always include the pharmacokinetic conditions which are important considerations for whole animal exposures, we are beginning to develop techniques which can apply in vitro short-term bioassays to tissues derived from experimental animals exposed to genotoxic agents in vivo.