Neurotoxicology : The Cinderella of neuroscience

This commentary wishes to open a discussion to identify new paths for progress in neurotoxicology research and to better face some criticism and inquiry from outside observers, particularly from those of closely related neurosciences. Examples representative of research in neurotoxicology as carried out over the last 20 years are presented. They are ranked, according to their approaches, into three main categories: molecular-mechanistic research, correlative research and black box research. There are many reasons for the relatively modest achievements of neurotoxicology as compared to those in other neuroscience fields. Most studies tend to be superficial and fail to address important biological questions because the pressure of politics demands swift and practical solutions to problems. Also, little advantage was taken from the interdisciplinary nature of neurotoxicology. A happy ending is possible when neurotoxicology research is encouraged within the mainstream of neurobiology, thus actively participating in the continuing neuroscience revolution.