Two in vitro models for gas-phase exposure to volatile compounds.

Two experimental models suitable for the screening of volatile compounds were set up. The first consisted of a glass-chamber slide with eight wells, one carrying the test compound, and the others carrying cells in monolayers. In the second model, the cells were cultured in a glass Petri dish, and the test compound was poured onto a filter lying on a glass cover-slip, supported by a metal ring. Four plant volatiles [carvacrol, S-(+)- carvone, thymol and decanal] and one essential oil (caraway oil) were chosen as test compounds. The toxicity rankings obtained with the two models were compared with that obtained in a previous study performed with the same compounds under conventional culture conditions. Differences in the toxicity ranking were observed between the conventional culture conditions and the gas-phase models, confirming the importance of correct exposure conditions for the evaluation of toxicity. Both models have advantages that make them suitable as a preliminary step in the toxicity screening of volatile compounds, or for use in a test battery when combined with conventional approaches.