Tetrodotoxin is a serious neurotoxin that
- interferes with sodium channels on excitable cells such as neurons.
TTX typically comes from puffer fish, which
is a delicacy in some cultures
Symptoms can include
paralysis starting from the extremities, then to the rest of the body, including respiratory muscles. Death may occur within 24 hours after exposure.
How BTX is considered a toxin
BTX binds to sodium channels and inhibits their ability to close
Physiological Impact of BTX
BTX can cause paralysis, seizures, unconsciousness, and even death
Is there a current antidote?
No but there is current research being done on this like Toxic sponges
OTA is a secondary
metabolite of Aspergillus ochraceus
OTA is a competitive inhibitor of
phenylalanine tRNA synthetase and thus inhibits protein synthesis
OTA induces carcinogenicity through a
two-pronged approach in which it increase ROS (free oxygen radicals) while inhibiting the Nrf2 pathway
Khat contains
cathinone and cathine
Route of exposure of Khat
oral ingestion through chewing on the leaves
Khat inhibits
monoamine oxidase
Understand why exogenous opioids are more effective than endogenous
Exogenous opioids are believed to have the ability to infiltrate the golgi apparatus in term making them more effective
LD50 for hydrocodone
375 mg/kg
Understand the difference between chronic and acute exposure to diazepam
Chronic- Diazepam is able to reverse the tolerance to hydrocodone making your ED50 lower
Acute- DIazepam has no significant effect on acute exposure
Where is asbestos commonly found
Commonly found in old buildings
Is there a safe exposure limit for asbestos
No safe level of exposure
What does exposure of asbestos lead to
Exposure leads to risks of cancer
Atropine is a competitive inhibitor to
acetylcholine, specifically for the acetylcholinesterase enzyme
Atropine is used as
an antidote for nerve gas
Eating one leaf of Atropine or 8-10 berries will
kill an adult and 2-3 berries will kill a child
Genotoxicity of radium
- Direct: releases ions that directly diffuse into DNA causing DNA breaks
- Indirect: Ions released induce ROS synthesis
which damage DNA through double or single
Stranded breaks
Discovery of radium
- discovered by Maurie Curie who was the first woman to earn a
nobel prize
In physics for her discovery of Radium 1898
- Ionizing radiation:
- Alpha: travel a short distance no skin penetration
- Beta: capable of small amounts of skin penetration
- Gamma: penetrates tissues and can go right through you
- All particles can cause significant damage to cells if inhaled or ingested
How long has toluene been used?
over 150 years
What is the most common source of toluene
traffic (cuz it is used in gas)
Where is toluene used
in everyday products
MeHg is ....
lipid soluble and accumulates in the brain
Can a child be born with MeHg?
Yes, even when the mother has no symptoms, due to active transport through the placenta
The international limit for mercury content in skincare products is
1 ppm