Content text 20. PRINCIPLES OF ANIMAL TOXICOLOGY.pdf
PHARMD GURU Page 2 harm: Replacement – Using alternatives like cell cultures or computer models instead of animals. Reduction – Using fewer animals while still getting reliable results. Refinement – Improving test methods to minimize animal suffering. 5) REGULATORY GUIDELINES IN TOXICOLOGY: Organizations like the OECD and FDA have introduced strict Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) guidelines. These standards ensure accurate, reliable, and ethical toxicology testing for: Acute toxicity (short-term exposure). Sub-acute toxicity (repeated exposure for weeks). Chronic toxicity (long-term effects over months/years). b)FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS IN TOXICOLOGY: Toxicology is the study of harmful effects caused by chemicals on living organisms. To understand toxicology properly, it is important to know some basic terms and concepts. These terms help in assessing how substances affect the human body and the environment. 1) BASIC TERMINOLOGY IN TOXICOLOGY: A. TOXICITY: Definition: Toxicity is the ability of a substance to cause harm to a living organism. It depends on several factors, including: Dose: The amount of substance taken. Duration of exposure: How long the exposure lasts. Individual susceptibility: Some people or animals may be more sensitive to certain toxic substances than others. Significance: Understanding toxicity helps in determining safe exposure limits for chemicals, drugs, and environmental pollutants. It also helps in designing safety guidelines for industries and healthcare.