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Background | Types of Tests | Testing Alternatives

Animal Testing Alternatives

In the 10 years since its inception, the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods (ICCVAM) has validated only six alternative methods and recommended them for use to the scientific community. While none of these methods permanently replace the use of animals in a particular study, they do reduce and refine their use.

Corrositex®

An in vitro test to determine skin corrosion, Corrositex® uses a biomembrane and chemical detection system that changes color when in contact with corrosive substances. In some cases, this could replace the use of rabbits in corrosivity research; however, ICCVAM concluded that in certain cases Corrositex® should be used in conjunction with animal tests.

EPISKIN™

A model of reconstructed human epithelium, developed to test skin corrosion. This method was first validated by the European Coalition on the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) as a complete replacement for animal tests. In contrast, ICCVAM has validated EPISKIN™ for reduction purposes, suggesting that some substances may need to be tested on animals after using this method.

EpiDerm™

Used in the study of skin corrosion and toxicology, EpiDerm™ is a layered model of human-derived epidermal keratinocytes. This method was first approved by ECVAM for use as a stand-alone assay. However, ICCVAM recommended that EpiDerm™ be used only as part of a tiered assessment strategy, which may or may not involve animals.

Rat Skin Transcutaneous Electrical Resistance (TER) Assay

Replacing the use of rabbits in skin corrosivity tests, the Rat Skin TER Assay utilizes rat skin samples instead. Despite the fact that ECVAM recommended the Rat Skin TER Assay for use in all corrosivity tests, ICCVAM deemed this method unreliable in testing certain classes of chemicals, and suggested that traditional animal studies still be used.

Murine Local Lymph Node Assay (LLNA)

The Murine LLNA is used as an alternative to guinea pig tests that screen for allergic reactions on the skin. Unfortunately, the Murine LLNA uses mice as a substitute to test substances topically.

Up-and-Down Procedure (UDP)

Used to estimate acute oral toxicity, the UDP is an in vivo test that reduces the number of rodents used.

The following test has been used for years prior to the passage of ICCVAM:

Ames test

Uses specific strains of common bacteria to detect genetic changes caused by test substances.

The following alternatives have already been approved by the European Coalition on the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) and are awaiting action by ICCVAM:

Bovine Corneal Opacity and Permeability (BCOP) Test Method

An in vitro test for detecting eye irritants, the BCOP test method uses tissues obtained from slaughterhouses to replace the use of live animals. This test has been recommended by ICCVAM, and will soon be sent to federal agencies for approval.

Isolated Chicken Eye (ICE) Test Method

The ICE test method uses tissue obtained from slaughterhouses, which would otherwise be discarded, to detect ocular irritants. This test has been recommended by ICCVAM, and will soon be sent to federal agencies for approval.

In vitro basal cytotoxicty methods

In 2008, ICCVAM recommended two methods to estimate starting doses for in vivo acute oral toxicity tests in order to reduce the number of animals used for each test. These test methods will soon be sent to federal agencies for approval.

In vitro pyrogenicity

Five in vitro alternatives to the rabbit pyrogen test use cytokine released from human blood cells. These methods have been reviewed by ICCVAM and are now awaiting final recommendations.

More Information:

ICCVAM: A missed opportunity or potential for Progress? AV Magazine Fall 2007
Although alternatives development is a growing and promising field of research investigation, it has been slow to evolve in this country. Learn more about the agency charged with overseeing the validation of alternatives in the US.

Alternatives in Action AV Magazine Fall 2007
The most successful application of alternatives can be found in the area of product testing.

The Way Forward AV Magazine Summer 2002
The area of alternatives development is a fast-growing field of research that is slowly gaining scientific acceptance, but there are still a number of alternative assays that show great promise that need to be investigated and validated.

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