Toxicological considerations studies

Fry D.M., C.K. Toone, S.M. Speich, and R.J. Peard (1987). Sex ratio skew and breeding patterns of gulls Demographic and toxicological considerations. Studies in Avian Biology 10 26-43. 

Considerable studies are required to establish the toxicological profile of the drug substance. These must assess its direct toxic effects, together with its potential as a reproductive toxin, mutagen, or carcinogen. 

Tomato lycopene and other carotenoids have been used as natural food constituents for a long time without toxicological considerations, in the same manner as other vegetable and fruit products. Lack of sound information regarding toxicology and bioavailability data limits the development of food safety regulations. Further studies are necessary to provide toxicological evaluation of lycopene and information on how lycopene interacts with other constituents. 

The review and interpretation of toxicology studies is a professional matter, requiring experience in both the laboratory conduct of such studies and the practice of appHed toxicology. Although all studies should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, there are some general considerations to be kept in mind during the review process, described below. 

Hecdth effects data come from three types of studies clinical, epidemiological, and toxicological. Clinical and epidemiological studies focus on human subjects, whereas toxicological studies are conducted on animals or simpler cellular systems. Ethical considerations limit human exposure to low levels of air poUutants which do not have irreversible effects. Table 7-1 lists the advantages and disadvantages of each type of experimental informahon. 

Identification of Toxic Species. In trying to identify toxic species suitable for further studies, careful consideration should be given to zoology and, where applicable, clinical toxicology. Zoological knowledge allows the identification of the species which use toxins for purposes of offence and/or defense. For example, observations of carnivorous fish showed that many appear able to identify toxic species and avoid... 

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