Test No. 231: Amphibian Metamorphosis Assay
This Test Guideline describes an amphibian metamorphosis assay intended to screen
substances which may interfere with the normal functioning of the hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid
axis. The assay was validated with the species Xenopus laevis, which is recommended
for use in the Guideline. The assay uses three test chemical concentrations and the
necessary controls, including a carrier control if necessary. The assay starts with
tadpoles at the development stage 51 on the Nieuwkoop and Faber scale and is extended
for a duration of 21 days. Four replicate test vessels are used for each treatment
level and control(s). After 7 days of exposure, a sub-set of tadpoles from each treatment
level is sampled for the measurement of the length of the hind-limb. At termination
of 21-day exposure period, developmental stage, snout-to-vent length and hind limb
length are measured on all remaining tadpoles. A sub-set of tadpoles from each treatment
level is fixed (whole-body or dissected) for histopathology of the thyroid gland.
Published on September 08, 2009Also available in: French
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