Comparative evaluation of HET-CAM and ICE methods for objective assessment of ocular irritation caused by selected pesticide products.

Eye irritation potency of pesticides (fungicides, herbicides, insecticides) was comparatively tested by HET-CAM and ICE method. Based on the results of the tests the statistical analysis of agreement between classification using individual methods was done by Goodman-Kruskal's rank correlation and determination (calculation) of Cohen's kappa coefficient. Statistical analysis of agreement between classification revealed significant correlation between results of in vivo and in HET-CAM assays (76%). There was no significant correlation between result of in vivo and in ICE methods (64%). Weakest correlation was found between the data from in vitro HET-CAM and ICE tests. The percentage of agreement between two in vitro data was 48%. They may be recommended as a part of a battery of tests to reduce experimentation on mammals and to limit or eliminate pain and injury inflicted on experimental animals. The HET-CAM test is a useful tool for studying in vivo the potential conjunctival irritation, while the ICE test can be used to study corneal irritant effects in detail.