# Neurobehavioral Toxicity Core

> **NIH NIH P42** · DUKE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $139,125

## Abstract

The Neurobehavioral Toxicity Core (NBTC) will provide tests of neurobehavioral function for the animal
model studies in the projects of the Duke Superfund Center. The spectrum of neurobehavioral assessment
includes sensitive and on validated tests of sensorimotor performance, emotional response and cognition using
zebrafish, killifish, rats and C. elegans. Assessment of spontaneous movement and motor responsiveness to
sensory input at younger and older ages will be complemented by more complex tests of persisting
neurobehavioral effects conducted in adolescence and adulthood including assessment of learning and
memory, fear and anxiety and social behavior. The tests will be largely automated using computer driven
operant and maze tasks in rats and computerized video tracking systems in the zebrafish, killifish and C.
elegans. The NBTC will behaviorally assess the animals exposed by the individual projects and provide those
projects with the statistical analyses of the outcome documenting short and long-term neurobehavioral
impairments. The NBTC behavioral test batteries are tailored to provide sensitive an reliable to the
neurotoxicity of early-life exposure effects on later-life function. The NBTC will continue to innovate to develop
a broader spectrum of behavioral assessment tests as well as provide quicker through-put without sacrificing
data quality. Functional behavioral effects can provide among the most sensitive indicators of developmental
toxicity in animal models for risk assessment. Behavioral dysfunction is also among the most prevalent
indicators of developmental toxicity in humans. The cognitive and emotional function tests can provide
outcome measures very relevant to humans. The Neurobehavioral Toxicity Core will provide Projects 1, 2, 3
and 4 critical behavioral information about the functional meaning of the developmental toxicity they are
investigating.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9942433
- **Project number:** 5P42ES010356-18
- **Recipient organization:** DUKE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** EDWARD D LEVIN
- **Activity code:** P42 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $139,125
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9942433

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9942433, Neurobehavioral Toxicity Core (5P42ES010356-18). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9942433. Licensed CC0.

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