Target animal studies, function

There is little new with regard to the mu receptor, the main target for opioid drugs. The receptor is remarkably similar in structure and function in all species studied so animal studies will be good predictors for clinical applications. Although there have been suggestions of subtypes of the receptor, the cloned mu receptors have all been identical. 

The human data suggest that the immune system is a target of white phosphorus toxicity however, no information on the potential of white phosphorus to impair immune function is available. Animal studies assessing the results of a battery of immune function tests could be useful in determining the immunotoxic potential of white phosphorus. Information on different routes of exposure could be useful in assessing if effects are route specific. 

Overall, data from animal studies, including studies on nonhuman primates, indicate that the developing nervous system is a sensitive target organ for low-dose MeHg exposure. Results from animal studies have reported effects on cognitive, motor, and sensory functions. 

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