General Principles of Toxicology - Lecture 2 by Dr. S. M. Chanda - University of Zambia - Pharmacology and Toxicology-unza

Description

This lecture note focuses on the disposition of toxicants, detailing the processes of absorption, distribution, storage, and excretion that determine the concentration of a chemical at its target site of action. Authored by Dr. S. M. Chanda from the University of Zambia, the material explains how toxicants cross cell membranes via passive and specialized transport mechanisms and are absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, and skin, with factors like lipid solubility and pH influencing rates. It covers the principles of distribution, including the volume of distribution and the role of storage depots in tissues like fat, bone, liver, and plasma proteins, and examines excretion pathways primarily through renal and biliary systems, as well as exhalation. Designed for tertiary students in pharmacy, medicine, and toxicology, this resource provides essential revision material on pharmacokinetic principles critical for understanding systemic toxicity and for exam preparation in Zambia. The notes integrate key concepts such as the blood-brain barrier, presystemic elimination, and the impact of biotransformation on toxicity, serving as valuable college exam papers support for mastering how the body handles xenobiotics. Review this comprehensive guide to understand the factors that govern the fate and toxic potential of chemicals within the body.