Main description:

Investigative Immunotoxicology provides a critical evaluation of proposed experimental animal models and approaches, and discusses the contribution that immunotoxicity can make to the overall assessment of chemical-induced adverse health effects on humans and the ecosystem. Following a review of general concepts in immunotoxicology, the book discusses emerging methodologies at the cellular and molecular levels, and describes advances in and requirements for animal model development in testing the allergenicity of foods and genetically modified products. It presents animal models of autoimmunity associated with chemical exposure, includes recommendations for the selection of sentinel species in ecotoxicology, and presents an in-depth review of immunotoxicology as it relates to a variety of wildlife species. Finally, the book explains the role of immunotoxicology in human health risk assessment and the regulatory process.

Outlining the potential chemical hazards facing human and ecosystem health, this is a valuable reference for professionals and researchers in immunotoxicology and risk assessment. It also deserves the attention of the pharmaceutical industry and environmental toxicologists who are concerned about the effects of xenobiotics on ecosystems.

Contents:

The Immune System. Approaches and Models Relevant to the Assessment of Chemical-Induced Immunotoxic Effects in the Ecosystem. Approaches and Models Relevant to the Assessment of the Impact of Chemical-Induced Immunotoxicity on Human Health. Models and Approaches to Chemical-Induced Allergenicity. Autoimmunity. Emerging Issues in Immunotoxicology. The Role of Immunotoxicology in Risk Assessment and the Regulatory Process.