The Galileo Data Bank on Toxicity Testing with In Vitro Alternative Methods. I. General Structure

Abstract

Toxicity testing of chemicals by means of in vitro alternative methods to the use of animals has been extensively developed, as documented by a variety of studies. The interpretation of results and the comparative evaluation of data derived from various cell toxicity studies require organisation by a computerised data system, capable of handling the large number of variables included in different assays, such as cell lines, methods of treatment with the chemical, methods used to evaluate the biological effect, endpoints considered, etc. The Galileo Data Bank has been developed by the Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology at the University of Pisa, as a scientific instrument to be used in the analysis and organisation of results obtained in the toxicity testing of chemicals by means of in vitro alternative methods.