Introduction: Species Routinely Used for Toxicity Testing

Animal toxicity testing is based on the conviction that there is a common plan for all living matter and the major biochemical discoveries of this century support this conviction. The use of various mammalian and nonmammalian species to predict potential human toxicity is also bolstered by evidence that the receptors with which chemicals interact to produce toxicity are similar in various species. However, despite remarkable similarities, there are differences between humans and other species that must be understood to properly interpret the significance of animal findings for man.