Mechanism of Toxicity

Abstract

This chapter deals with various aspects of mechanism of action of chemical or physical agents, their interaction with living organisms, and how they trigger perturbations in cell function and/or structure or may initiate repair mechanisms at the molecular, cellular, and/or tissue levels including necrosis and apoptosis of different xenobiotics. This process is completely organized whereby individual cells break into small fragments that are phagocytosed by adjacent cells or macrophages without producing an inflammatory response. Knowledge of the mechanism of toxicity of a substance enhances the ability to prevent toxicity and design more desirable chemicals; it constitutes the basis for therapy upon overexposure and frequently enables a further understanding of fundamental biological processes.