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Eco-testing with fish cells could replace thousands of animal experiments
Environmental testing of a single chemical can kill up to 400 fish. Researchers have now been able to show that fish cells in the laboratory can just as well provide information about environmental risks. As a result, more animal experiments could be replaced in the future.
Millions of superfluous animal experiments
According to EU statistics, more than 11 million animals were used in research and development in 2011, most of them in tests. However, according to experts, most animal experiments are largely superfluous. Still, countless animals around the world still have to die for testing medicines, chemicals or cosmetics. It is therefore gratifying that there are many reports of scientific findings that could make animal experiments superfluous in the future. For example, a few months ago German experts announced that a newly developed artificial organism would replace animal experiments. And the Swiss National News Agency (SDA) is now reporting that Swiss and British researchers have shown that fish cells in the laboratory could as well provide information on environmental risks as living animals.
Fish cells save fish for science. Image: science photo - fotolia Tests with cultures of cells instead of live fish
Environmental authorities often require fish embryo testing prior to approval of new chemicals. This had informed the research institute Eawag (Federal Institute for Water Supply, Wastewater Treatment and Water Protection) on Friday. The growth of juveniles reacts very sensitive to pollutants in the water. According to the information, not only are very many animals "consumed" - in 2011 alone there were around 180,000 in the EU - but the tests are also time-consuming, expensive and tedious. Together with colleagues from the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology in Zurich and Lausanne and the University of York (Great Britain), Eawag researchers have now conducted tests on cultures of gill cells instead of live fish.
"Amazingly good match"
It was measured how fast the cells multiplied and calculated this with a computer model on the whole fish. After only five days, the cell numbers increased faster or slower, depending on the chemical load, according to the researchers, a "surprisingly good agreement" with the independently conducted experiments with fish. The scientists published their findings in the journal Science Advances. Kristin Schirmer, who is conducting research on replacing animal experiments at Eawag, said: "It's the first time that we have been able to conclude cell cultures very accurately on effects on animals that only become visible in weeks or even months."
Common approach is turned upside down
As the environmental toxicologist explained, transferring the results to the individual works so well because larger fish do not consist of larger but more cells and because they calculate the concentration of the chemical in the cells. The model predicts what happens when the fish encounters the tested chemical in the water. Roman Ashauer of the University of York added that it would turn the common approach of "first test, then interpret" on its head. The researchers, on the other hand, would first create a mathematical model for a specific problem and then insert the experimental data from the cell experiments.
One hundred millionth chemical registered
According to Schirmer, this could also improve other tests and predictive models. However, the properties of the substances must be well known. In addition, it is not yet known whether all cells react exactly like gill cells. The authors expressed the hope that other researchers will further test their approach in the future. As the researchers write, the "Chemical Abstracts Service" has just registered the world's 100 millionth chemical. Every day about 15,000 new substances are added. Binding regulations exist for the least of them. And for even less, safety and environmental testing was done. Only about ten new substances that are produced in large quantities go through a serious test procedure every year. Actually, however, 300 times more substances would have to be tested in order to comply with the EU REACH chemicals directive alone. The goal is to find a balance between the benefits for humans and the economy and the risk to ecosystems. (Ad)