Mechanisms of Toxicity

Toxicity is defined as the distribution of a toxicant to its target or targets, as well as interactions with endogenous target molecules, which can cause changes in cell function and/or structure, as well as trigger repair processes at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. The ability to comprehend descriptive toxicity data is based on a rational comprehension of toxicity mechanisms. The cellular mechanisms that lead to the manifestation of toxicities are discussed by relating a series of events that begin with exposure, entail a variety of interactions between the invading toxicant and the organism, and end with a toxic result. There is a plethora of potential toxicant pathways, as well as a multitude of biological structures and processes that can be damaged, as a result of the large number of potential toxicants and biological structures and processes that can be impacted. A toxicant is typically transported to its target, reacts with it, and the cellular malfunction that results manifests as toxicity.