Toxicology and ADR Flashcards
What is Haber’s rule?
C x t = k
Exposure to low concn of poisonous gas for long time often had same effect (death) as exposure to high concn for short time.
What is good about using in silico (computer) testing?
It is pretty cheap and fast.
What is the purpose of regulatory toxicology?
Ensures benefits of chemical substances intended for use by humans outweigh the risk from their use.
What are the 5 levels of selection in toxicology testing?
- Test species
- End point (response)
- Dose
- Route (oral?)
- Duration of the test
What factors affect ADME?
Species Strain Gender Age Nutritional status
What are 4 biological considerations for test species?
- It may not have the relevant target.
- May be subject to diurnal variation (timing)
- Environment (temp, humidity…)
- ADME affected by many factors
What are 4 possible end points?
- Pharmacological
- Direct toxicity (skin irritancy)
- Genotoxicity (bacterial mutagens…)
- Immunotoxicity (immune suppression, allergies)
What is ED50?
The DOSE at which 50% of the maximal response is achieved.
Is a good end point death?
Yes.
Why is it not possible to look at the response of a tissue to increasing doses?
Due to the non-reversability of many toxic end points.
What is the LD50 test?
When 50% of the animals have died from the drug.
What is a NOAEL?
A ‘no observable adverse effect level’. This is where you want to operate. This is a safe level.
How can the shape of a curve be influenced?
By endogenous (genetic polymorphisms) and exogenous (drug interactions) factors.
What is the purpose of acute toxicity tests?
To determine the effects that occur within a short period after dosing. Usually only a single dose is given, maybe via different routs.
What is the Therapeutic index?
The ratio of the doses required to produce a toxic and desired response.
TI = (LD50) / (ED50)
In 2000, which test was withdrawn due to an alternative approach required?
The LD50 test.
What are sub acute toxicity tests?
Exposing the animal to the compound for 28 - 90 days. Exposure is frequent, usually daily.
How are sub acute toxicity tests useful?
Info on target organs and the major toxic effects.
Info on toxic effects with a slow onset.
Help design chronic toxicity tests.
What is a chronic toxicity test?
Lifetime exposure to the compound.
Changes is simple measurements made (weight, food and water intake…)
Often rats and dogs are used. Drug usually administered in the food.
What is the most expensive toxicity assay?
Carcinogenecity test
Why are mechanistic studies important?
- Interpretation of descriptive toxicity data.
2. Drug development
Why are stand tests sometimes not useful?
As they may not be applicable to humans.