Subjects

Details

Name of the Department

Neurobehavioral Toxicology Division

Objectives

Research & Development in the areas of workers’ health exposure to environmental,  chemicals, dust at time of work in respect of Neurobehavioral Toxicology 

Functions of the Department

To evaluate in respect of neurobehavioral consequences of exposure to environmental chemicals in laboratory animals as well as human.  

Details of Scientific and Technical Staff

Laboratory facilities and Instruments

1) Eight arm redial maze- for learning of spatial memory. 

2) Rota Rod - for screening chemicals/drugs affecting motor incoordination and neuro-toxicity

3) Passive-Active avoidance system - for testing of compound on conditioned response (avoidance behavior ) 

4) Grip Strength Meter- for assessing neuromuscular function /performance.

5) Startel reflex Monitoring system - which assessing startle reflex is a  key indicator in evaluating sensory and CNS performance.

6) Water Maze - for assessing learning and spatial memory function / performance.

7) Animal Activity monitoring system - for testing of compound on spontaneous  motor activity.

8) Cooks apparatus- for conditioning.

9) Aggressive meter -Aggressive Behavior

10) Hebbs Williams apparatus- for learning & memory.     

Ongoing Projects

1) Experimental studies on endosulphan with special references to endocrine &  reproductive dysfunction in rats.

1.1 Neurobehavioral Study 

2)  Experimental studies of arsenic with special references to endocrine &  reproductive dysfunction in rats.

2.1 Neurobehavioral Study 

Important Projects Completed

a)   Pharmacology and Toxicology of    Industrial solvents:

i) Pyridine 

ii) Formaldehyde

iii) Carbon Disulphide

b) Neurobehavioral Toxicology of Metals:

i) Lead

ii) Cadmium

iii) Zinc

iv) Manganese

v)  Selenium

International Programme (If any)

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Publication and Research Reports

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Future Programmes

Research in my laboratory focuses on behavioral testing considered the alterations in nervous system that may identified; using neurobehavioral tests to evaluate neurobehavioral consequences of exposure to environmental chemicals in laboratory rats and mice. functional observation battery and forced behaviors tests (learning & memory) for use in this endeavor by using certain test apparatus/instruments such as rotarod, active and passive avoidance system, aggresometer, water maze monitoring setup, mazes, sterotoxic instrument, grip strength meter, startle reflex monitor and auto track animal activity monitor. 

Miscellaneous information

From this department, papers have been published in national and international  proceedings and journals (over 300 papers and communications) as  well established reputation in India and abroad