Application of alternative in vitro and in vivo methods to toxicity monitoring of carbamate pesticides

Carbamate pesticides are widely introduced agrochemicals which are approved to use in countries of European Union. They are distinguished of acetylcholinesterase inhibition and they are used to control aphids for vegetables protection. While toxicological data for carbamate pesticides on adults have been well documented, the available data on embryotoxicity, developmental neurotoxicity and cell toxicity are very sparse. No epidemiological studies of developmental neurotoxicity of carbamates in humans could be found, and data from animal experiments are very sparse as well. Currently, the alternative methods are commonly used for toxicity monitoring of different substances. These methods should be to limit suffering of laboratory animals and their number in animal experiments as well, and on the other hand provide monitoring of direct action on the cell. The aim of the project will follow the cytotoxic effect of carbamate pesticides as well as their embryotoxic effect in the development of the nervous system and liver, which has a major role in the biotransformation and excretion of carbamate pesticides from the body.