NTP Pathology Group

Overseeing Pathology-related Issues

David Malarkey, D.V.M., Ph.D., D.A.V.C.P.
Group Leader

Tel (919) 541-1745
Fax (919) 541-7666
malarkey@niehs.nih.gov

P.O. Box 12233
Mail Drop B3-06
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
Delivery Instructions

Research Summary

The National Toxicology Program (NTP) Pathology Group functions in support of the NTP as well as with other intramural NIEHS investigators. Within the NTP, the group participates in and oversees pathology-related issues at all stages of the two-year rodent toxicology/carcinogenesis studies including study design and management, analysis, peer review, and reporting of all pathology-related data generated during the conduct of the studies. With NIEHS investigators we evaluate, interpret and report on the pathology of genetically altered mice and other animal models of disease.

Preparation of NTP Toxicology and Carcinogenesis (Technical) Reports

The NTP Pathology Group reports on the toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of the NTP for public peer review and dissemination. The Technical Report series describing are the culmination of the entire NTP bioassay program. The publicly peer reviewed documents and the final book-length monographs, contain the full study details and the formal NTP interpretation of the toxicologic and carcinogenic potential of the substances tested.

NIEHS/NTP Studies

Studies include utilization of mouse and rat models, as well as alternative models, for identifying environmental hazards and investigating the pathogenic mechanisms involved in toxicity or carcinogenesis. Group efforts to explore the utility of genetically altered mice to detect carcinogens in short-term studies, evaluate the immune and reproductive systems, and apply rigorous pathology peer review are underway. Collaborative efforts in support of NIEHS scientists have resulted in a number of publications including characterizing cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, toxicogenomics and chemically induced and spontaneous carcinogenesis.

NIEHS/NTP Toxicological Pathology Training Programs

The NTP Pathology Group offers training positions for veterinary pathology trainees and other scientists, as well as externships for veterinary or other students. The NTP and NIEHS are fertile grounds for training in toxicologic pathology and understanding the pathogenesis of environmental disease. Many trainees use microscopic slides from NTP studies and the CMPB laboratories for their training. Additionally, in assessing mechanisms of disease, trainees rotate in laboratories such as the Comparative Pathology Group, Molecular Pathology Group and Special Techniques Group, whereby molecular pathology techniques, pathology and electron microscopy interpretation, protein, DNA and RNA techniques, and cell culture procedures are applied. The CMPB laboratories serve to train graduate, predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows, as well as international fellows and guest researchers in toxicologic pathology and biomedical research. The CMPB laboratories have mentored and trained students who have pursued advanced careers in human medicine, veterinary pathology/medicine, pharmacy, nursing, epidemiology/public health and toxicology. More information: NTP-NIEHS Training Opportunities (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/atniehs/labs/lep/ntp-path/docs/ntp-niehs-training.pdf)   (111 KB)

David Malarkey, D.V.M., Ph.D., D.A.V.C.P. heads the NTP Pathology Group and the Toxicologic Pathology training program. He earned his D.V.M. from Tufts University and Ph.D. from North Carolina State University. He has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles as well as several book chapters, primarily in the areas of hepatic carcinogenesis and toxicologic pathology. He previously was an NIEHS IRTA fellow (1993-1997) and Assistant Professor of Pathology at North Carolina State University before joining NIEHS again in 2002. David Malarkey profile (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/atniehs/labs/lep/ntp-path/docs/2007malarkey-profile.pdf)   (106 KB)

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