11967 - Applied Toxicology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student has the basic knowledge for the determination of toxicological aspects of xenobiotics, required for registration purposes and the exposure risk assessment. In particular, the student is able to: - know the experimental strategies in the animal model and the alternative methods for the assessment of toxicity mechanisms, - to conduct in vitro tests for the evaluation of toxicity mechanisms at the cellular and molecular level using esercitazionale activities single place.

Course contents

MODULE I Prof. Monia Lenzi

Organization of a toxicology laboratory: equipment, safety devices, procedures and GLP.

In vitro testing: suspended cell cultures: count, maintenance and use. Isolation of peripheral blood lymphocytes. Analysis of cell viability and proliferation: samples preparation and microscopic analysis.

Cytotoxicity tests

Planning and execution of a study of mutagenesis;

In vivo studies. General principles, predictivity and selection of doses; aims of the studies.

Acute toxicity studies: aims, experimental design, analyses and observations. Repeated dose toxicity tests versus acute toxicity studies, analyses and observations.

Planning and execution of a carcinogenicity study; Planning and execution of a study at the level of the reproductive system toxicity; Planning and execution of a local tolerance study. 

Flow cytometry: use in the analysis of the main cellular toxicological end-points.

Laboratory TRAINING - Evaluation of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of a xenobiotic: from cell culture preparation to microscopic analysis; ; Micronucleus test; Preparation, staining and mounting of a glass slide. Microscopic analysis and interpretation of results.

   MODULE II Dr. Giulia Sita

LABORATORY TRAINING - Cell culture: maintenance and use. Cell count and analysis of cell viability. Treatment with a test substance. Assessment of cell proliferation. Evaluation of the cytotoxicity of a xenobiotic. Learning to keep a good laboratory notebook.

  

Readings/Bibliography

G.Cantelli-Forti, C.L.Galli, P.Hrelia, M.marinovich - Tossicologia molecolare e cellulare - UTET, Torino, 2000.

Casarett & Doull - Elementi di Tossicologia - Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano, 2013.

Materiale fornito a lezione dal docente.

Linee guida OECD

Teaching methods

Traditional [lectures and seminars]. The course includes laboratory training.

As concerns the teaching methods of this course unit, all students (including all the international incoming exchange students, i.e. ERASMUS) must attend Module 1, 2 online [https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio], while Module 3 on health and safety is to be attended in class. Information about Module 3 attendance schedule is available on the website of your degree programme ("studiare"--"formazione obbligatoria su sicurezza e salute").

Assessment methods

The exam wil consist in an oral test aimed at assessing the student's understanding and knowledge of the topics set out during the course, and discussion on practical experiences carried out during the course.

The examination will be conducted in person, except in the event of public health emergencies, flooding or other emergency situations affecting the country, designated high-risk areas in accordance with current regulations, or in cases of student vulnerability (as assessed by the University's Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (DSA) Service). Each case will be evaluated individually, and students who meet the eligibility requirements may be allowed to take the examination via the Microsoft Teams platform.

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is prohibited during the examination. Any use of AI constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities: students are strongly encouraged to contact the University's relevant support service in good time (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it ). The service will identify and propose any appropriate accommodations for eligible students. Such accommodations must be submitted to the course instructor for approval at least 15 days before the examination. The instructor will assess their appropriateness, taking into account the intended learning outcomes of the course.

Teaching tools

virtuale.unibo.it

Office hours

See the website of Monia Lenzi

See the website of Giulia Sita