Human epidemiology, animal toxicity

Cardiovascular Effects. Reports of cardiovascular effects in humans or animals after exposure to 3,3 -dichlorobenzidine by any route were not foimd in any of the existing epidemiological and animal studies, suggesting that the cardiovascular system is not a target of 3,3 -dichlorobenzidine toxicity. It is unlikely that cardiovascular effects will occm in humans exposed to 3,3 -dichlorobenzidine at levels foimd at hazardous waste sites. 

Therefore in practice, normally, animal toxicity data is required (see above). Of course, the differences between humans and other species must always be recognized and taken into account (see below). It may be possible to use in vitro data both from human cells and tissues as well as those from other animals to supplement the epidemiological and animal in vivo toxicity data. However, at present such data cannot replace experimental animal or human epidemiological data. The predictive use of structure-activity relationships is also possible, and it is an approach, which is becoming increasingly important. 

Another important and widespread fungal toxin is ochratoxin, which is also found in cereals and, to a lesser extent, in coffee and cocoa beans. The toxin Ochratoxin A is the most commonly found and is produced by the Aspergillus t5rpe of fungus. Exposure occurs in many countries in Europe and affects farm animals as well as humans. The major toxic effect in both humans and animals is kidney damage and cancer of the kidney. The available epidemiological evidence indicates that the disease called Balkan nephropathy is associated with consumption of food contaminated with ochratoxin, and the toxin has been detected in the blood of people living... 

The general application of epidemiologic methods to developmental toxicity is described below and followed by a discussion of laboratory studies in rodents and rabbits. The bulk of data available in developmental toxicology are based on these protocols. Since the difference in human and animal response appears to rest in large part on differences in behavior, physiologic parameters, and xenobiotic absorption, distribution, metabolic fate, and elimination, a brief description of transplacental pharmacokinetics is also provided. 

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