what is toxicology Flashcards
what is toxicology
the study of adverse/undesirable effects of substances on living systems
give an example of plants that could cause accidental poisoning
- deadly nightshade (atropine, muscarinic antagonist) scopolamine less selective antagonist, also acts on histamine receptors so it inhibits gastric secretions
- woody nightshade (solanine, inhibits cholinesterase) also found in small amnt tomato and green potatoes
-calabar beans (physostigmine, inhibits cholinesterase)
give examples of toxins that could occur in food
puffer fish (tetrodotoxin)
infected rye (ergot alkaloids)
cassava/bitter almonds (cyanide)
kidney beans (lectins)
mouldy apples (patulin)
give an example of a toxin that was used maliciously historically
hemlock- CNS and neuromuscular junction nicotinic receptor blocakde (coniine)
-ricin
-dioxin
-phosgene
-mustard gas
-lewisite
-nerve agent VX
-Sarin
-novichok
give examples of occupational toxicology
scheele green color wallpaper (copper arsenite)
enviornmental arsenic pollution due to mining
paraquat (herbicide) poisoning in agricultural workers
diazinon and malathion (organophosphates that inhibit acetylcholinesterase) agricultural workers
outline the role of toxicology in pharmacology (how it is useful and pharmaceuticals that are toxic)
useful:
-deliberate poisoning via anti-cancer agents
-deliberate but selective: anti microbials anti virals anti fungals
-helps find cures to toxic ingredients ex: NAC antidote for paracetamol poisoning ex: dimercaprol (heavy metal and lewisite poisoning)
toxic:
-paracetamol (liver toxicity)
-halothane (allergic hepatitis)
-thalidomaide (birth defects)
-terfenadine (H1 antagonist causes QT prolongation and cardiac arrest)