Summary Toxicology Lecture 1

Toxicology – Lecture 1 – Chapter 1 – Introduction to Toxicology

1.1 Definition and scope
Toxicology; branch of science that deals with poisons
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Poison; any substance that causes a harmful effect to
living organism

Toxicology also includes the study of harmful effects
caused by physical phenomena; radiation and noise
etc.

All things are poisonous and nothing is not
poisonous. Only the dose makes something not being
a poison.

Toxicology is a multidisciplinary science;
Biolgoy/Chemistry/Biochemistry/Physiology/genetics/mathematics/statistics/medicine
/pharmacology

There are different subdisciplines in the toxicology
o Descriptive toxicology; animal studies
o Mechanistic toxicology; mode of action (molecule – gene – cell)
o Analytical toxicology; contaminant (verontreinigd) levels in the body
o Food toxicology; compounds in food
o Occupational toxicology; chemicals at work
o Developmental toxicology; effect on the developing embryo
o Reproduction toxicology; effects on the reproduction
o Clinical toxicology; treatment of poisoning
o Forensic toxicology; proof of intended poisoning
o Environmental toxicology; environmental pollution; individuals
o Ecotoxicology; environmental pollution; ecosystems
o Regulatory toxicology; setting thresholds

Toxicity is a cascade of events;
1. Exposure
2. Distribution and metabolism
3. Interaction with cellular macromolecules / expression of a toxic end point

Phases in toxic response;
Phases in toxic response
1. Exposure (blootstelling)