Jay M. Arena

Introduction to General Toxicology

In this small monograph on general toxicology, with consideration for its molecular and biochemical principles, the goal is to provide briefly the three main phases of toxic action as it relates to various compounds: (1) the exposure phase, which includes factors that determine the uptake of the toxic agent from the environment, (2) the pharmacokinetic or toxokinetic phase, which includes processes such as adsorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion factors that determine the biologic availability of the toxic substance, and (3) the pharmacodynamic or toxodynamic phase, which covers the various mechanisms involved in the induction of the toxic effect on specific organs or systems. Included in the publication are the dose-response and time-response relationships necessary for a full understanding of toxicological mechanisms, interaction among various compounds, a focus on the systemic site of action by toxic agents, which relates to the specific kind of injury produced, toxicological risks of dangerous substances

Essentials of Toxicology

This basic science text presents the various biological and chemical factors that are involved when chemicals produce harmful effects on biological cells, systems, or whole animals. Dr. Loomis draws upon his experience as a practicing toxicologist and professor of pharmacology to identify and describe the causes and mechanisms in chemical-induced toxicity. He discusses, among other topics, mechanisms in the translocation of chemicals within the biological specimen; biotransformation mechanisms which alter structure, pharmacological action, and toxicity; factors responsible for nonselective as well as selective action of chemicals on various biological specimens; genetic and immunologic mechanisms involved in toxicity; the merits and deficiencies of the use of statistics in evaluating of harmful effects of chemicals. Essentials of Toxicology is a valuable general source of information on the modern concepts of toxicity from chemicals.