response to toxic substance

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell or an organism (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of a toxic stimulus. [GOC:lr]

Response to toxic substance is a complex biological process that involves a cascade of events designed to protect the organism from the harmful effects of toxins. This process can be divided into several stages:

1. **Exposure and uptake:** The first step is exposure to the toxic substance, which can occur through various routes, including ingestion, inhalation, dermal absorption, or injection. Once the toxin enters the body, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to various organs and tissues.

2. **Detection and signaling:** The body has various mechanisms to detect the presence of toxins. These mechanisms include:
* **Cellular receptors:** Specific receptors on cell surfaces can bind to toxins, triggering intracellular signaling pathways.
* **Enzymes:** Certain enzymes can detect and metabolize toxins, generating products that signal the presence of danger.
* **Immune system:** Immune cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils, can recognize and engulf foreign substances like toxins.

3. **Activation of defense mechanisms:** Once the toxin is detected, the body activates a variety of defense mechanisms to mitigate its harmful effects. These mechanisms include:
* **Detoxification:** The liver is a major organ involved in detoxification. It uses various enzymes to break down and modify toxins, making them less harmful.
* **Excretion:** The kidneys, lungs, and intestines help remove toxins from the body through urine, exhalation, and feces.
* **Cellular repair:** Cells can repair damage caused by toxins through mechanisms such as DNA repair and protein synthesis.
* **Immune response:** The immune system can mount an attack against toxins, targeting them for destruction.

4. **Adaptation and tolerance:** With prolonged exposure to a toxin, the body can develop tolerance. This means the organism becomes less sensitive to the effects of the toxin, often due to increased detoxification capacity or changes in gene expression.

5. **Pathological effects:** If the body's defense mechanisms are overwhelmed, or if the toxin is particularly potent, the organism can experience pathological effects. These effects range from mild discomfort to severe illness or death.

The specific response to a toxic substance can vary depending on the type of toxin, the dose, the route of exposure, and the individual's susceptibility. However, the underlying biological processes involved in response to toxic substances are generally conserved across species. Understanding these processes is crucial for developing strategies to prevent and treat toxic exposures.'
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Proteins (45)

Compounds (1,457)