The importance of microscopic analysis for accurate interpretation of chemical-induced cytotoxicity

The development of in vitro cytotoxicity assays is currently essential to evaluate the potential human and environmental health risks associated to chemical exposure, and to limit animal experimentation whenever possible. However, cytotoxicity assessments have been limited by their inability to measure morphological alterations, that can reveal subtle but extremely vital aspects of cell injury. This report presents a simple and cost-effective multi-assay approach, that includes biochemical and microscopical endpoints, to assess the underlying mechanisms involved in the toxic action of chemical compounds.