Mechanistic Toxicology

Mechanistic Toxicology

Definition

  • A mechanistic toxicologist studies the cellular, biochemical, and molecular (CBM) mechanisms of toxic effects of chemicals on living organisms.

Implications of Mechanistic Studies (RC)

  1. Risk Assessment

    • Mechanistic data helps determine if adverse outcomes (e.g., cancer, birth defects) in laboratory animals may also occur in humans.

    • Assesses relevance of laboratory data to human health.

  2. Chemical Design and Production

    • Aids in the development of safer alternative chemicals.

    • Informs therapies for chemical poisoning and disease treatment.