general concepts Flashcards
Neurotoxicology:
The study of how natural or synthetic toxins affect the nervous system.
Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB):
A selective barrier that protects the brain by preventing most substances in the blood from entering the brain tissue.
Endocrine Disruptors:
Chemicals that can interfere with endocrine (or hormone) systems at certain doses, causing developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects.
Mycotoxins:
Toxic compounds produced by molds or fungi that can contaminate food and pose serious health risks.
Aflatoxins:
A type of mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus species of fungi, known to cause liver cancer and other serious health issues.
Phytotoxins:
Toxic chemicals produced by plants as a defense mechanism against predators.
Tropane Alkaloids:
A class of naturally occurring chemical compounds found in certain plant species, known for their effects on the nervous system, such as atropine and scopolamine.
Neuroinflammation:
The inflammation of nervous tissue, which can be caused by infection, injury, toxicants, or disease.
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE):
An enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft, ensuring proper termination of the neural signal.
DNA Adducts:
Complexes formed by the binding of a chemical substance with DNA, leading to mutations and potentially cancer.
Oxidative Stress:
Damage to cells caused by reactive oxygen species, which can result from exposure to various environmental toxins.
Synaptic Plasticity:
The ability of synapses (the connections between neurons) to strengthen or weaken over time, in response to increases or decreases in their activity.
