The Neurobehavioral Toxicity Core (NBTC) will provide tests of neurobehavioral function for the animal model studies in the projects of the Duke Superfund Center. The spectrum of neurobehavioral assessment includes sensitive and on validated tests of sensorimotor performance, emotional response and cognition using zebrafish, killifish, rats and C. elegans. Assessment of spontaneous movement and motor responsiveness to sensory input at younger and older ages will be complemented by more complex tests of persisting neurobehavioral effects conducted in adolescence and adulthood including assessment of learning and memory, fear and anxiety and social behavior. The tests will be largely automated using computer driven operant and maze tasks in rats and computerized video tracking systems in the zebrafish, killifish and C. elegans. The NBTC will behaviorally assess the animals exposed by the individual projects and provide those projects with the statistical analyses of the outcome documenting short and long-term neurobehavioral impairments. The NBTC behavioral test batteries are tailored to provide sensitive an reliable to the neurotoxicity of early-life exposure effects on later-life function. The NBTC will continue to innovate to develop a broader spectrum of behavioral assessment tests as well as provide quicker through-put without sacrificing data quality. Functional behavioral effects can provide among the most sensitive indicators of developmental toxicity in animal models for risk assessment. Behavioral dysfunction is also among the most prevalent indicators of developmental toxicity in humans. The cognitive and emotional function tests can provide outcome measures very relevant to humans. The Neurobehavioral Toxicity Core will provide Projects 1, 2, 3 and 4 critical behavioral information about the functional meaning of the developmental toxicity they are investigating.
Given that chemical exposures can have effects on sensorimotor function, emotional function and cognition, the ?Neurobehavioral Toxicity Core? will determine short and long-term neurobehavioral effects of the chemical exposures made by Projects 1-4. Tests of sensorimotor function, emotional function and cognition will be made in zebrafish, killifish and rats. Sensorimotor function will be assessed in C. elegans. Computerized assessment will aid in the behavioral analysis. This will help determine the functional consequences of the developmental neurotoxicity studied in the projects.
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