Metabolic alterations in organ function.

Abstract

When the standardization of procedures is envisioned, problems arise regarding the selection of the test procedure and its ability to detect changes in organ function. Dose-response curves can be derived for the parameters used for assessing dysfunction. These curves can be useful for selecting equitoxic doses of substances to be compared with each color. They can also be useful for estimating relative safety as well as absolute toxic potency. Enzyme inducers can be used to determine whether metabolic transformations are involved in toxic reactions. However, all enzyme inducers do not produce the same effect. It is necessary to clearly define the enzyme inducers that have to be employed. Interactions leading to enhanced toxic effects can occur by pathways other than enzyme induction. It is necessary to determine if the toxic interaction is the result of a change in the sensitivity of the organ to the presence of the toxic moiety. The experimental environment can also affect toxicity. The presence of pathology in laboratory animals may alter the response. Body temperature can also markedly alter the response to a toxic agent.