Chapter 2 – Biochemical and Molecular Basis of Toxicity

This chapter is focused on the fundamental principles of toxic mechanisms of injury. Toxicity is influenced by the amount of toxicant that reaches the target organ, the reactivity of the compound itself or metabolites that are formed by major biotransformation systems, and the potential for altered cellular function or gene expression. There are many mechanisms and pathways by which toxicity can develop. Fundamental mechanisms of toxicity are presented in this chapter, with examples provided to illustrate the changes as appropriate.