How is the choice of model determined in toxicological studies?
The choice of model in toxicological studies depends on the specific research question, the nature of the toxicant, and the endpoint of interest. For mechanistic studies, in vitro models may be preferred due to their ability to provide detailed cellular data. For risk assessment and regulatory purposes, in vivo studies are often necessary to capture systemic effects. In silico models are ideal for initial screening and prioritizing substances for further testing. The integration of multiple models, known as weight-of-evidence, is increasingly used to enhance the reliability of toxicological assessments.
