Need for Alternative Models for Testicular Toxicity Testing

ASAT Male fertilityWorkshop summary – 1/2● The human testis is clearly a target for chemical toxicity– Testicular dysgenesis syndrome– Glycolethers, dichlorobromopropane, pesticides etc.● Testis sensitivity observed in rodent multigeneration studies● Questions about relevance rodent testis effects for man● In vitro animal-based assays so far– Single cell type (e.g. Sertoli cell - inhibin B production / Leydigcell steroid production)– Limited sensitivity and specificity cf. human testis– Need for human cell-based assays– Need for cocultures of 2 or more cell types – study paracrineinteractions (germ cells, Sertoli, Leydig, myoid, endothelium,macrophages)12Testis toxicity and alternative approaches | 26 October 2011