Toxic Responses to Foreign Compounds

although all these toxic responses may have a biochemical basis, they have been categorized according to the manifestation of the toxic effect. Therefore, although there will be overlap between some of the types of toxic response, for the purposes of this discussion, it is convenient to divide them into the following  

Toxic responses may be detected in a variety of ways in animals, and some of these have already been alluded to in previous chapters. Toxic responses may be the all-or-none type such as the death of the organism or they may be graded responses. Thus, the main means of detection are as follows  

Death The LD50 assay was previously used but has been superseded as an indicator of toxicity by other assays. 

Pathological change This could be the development of a tumor or destruction of tissue, but it would be detectable by observation either macroscopically or micro sco pically. 

Biochemical change This might involve an effect on an enzyme such as inhibition or alteration in a particular metabolic pathway. Alternatively, the appearance of an enzyme or other substance in body fluids may indicate leakage from tissue due to damage and be indicative of pathological change. 

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Principles of Biochemical Toxicology, Fourth Edition thoroughly explains dose-response relationships, disposition and metabolism, and toxic responses to foreign compounds, and presents detailed examples to make the mechanisms of toxicity more accessible to students encountering the subject for the first time. Comprehensive in scope with a clear and concise approach, the text includes summary sections, questions and model answers, and thoroughly revised artwork that serves as an essential aid to learning and teaching. 

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