Neurotoxicology Division (NTD)
Organization
Neurophysiological Toxicology Branch

Mission

Research performed by this branch is aimed at attaining an understanding of how neurophysiological processes are altered by exposure to neurotoxic agents. Neurophysiological research is conducted across a range of levels of analysis including investigations of single membrane ion channels, single neurons, simple neural circuits and multisystem pathways.

Office Projects/Activities

Among the neural systems which are the subject of focused research are sensory systems and the limbic system. Attempts are made to correlate electrophysiological results with behavioral, neuroanatomical and/or neurochemical indicators of neurotoxicity. Where possible, methods are used which have direct counterparts in humans, permitting a greater degree of interspecies extrapolation. Studies involving humans are performed as either part of controlled laboratory exposures or upon subjects with accidental exposure to suspected neurotoxicants.