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1. Toxicokinetics (absorption, distribution and excretion of xenobiotics)
1.1 Definition
The toxicity of a xenobiotic (pollutant, toxin, drug, narcotic, etc.) depends in part on the dose to which the organism is exposed (dose-response concept), and more precisely on its concentration at the site of action (organ or tissue).
The bioavailability of a xenobiotic can be described in terms of absorption, distribution, biotransformation and excretion, all of which may occur simultaneously. Each stage may have a consequence in terms of toxicity.
For example, if the fraction absorbed or the rate of absorption is low, the concentration is insufficient to cause toxicity in the target organ; the toxicant is distributed to a different organ than the target organ; it may or may...
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Toxicokinetics (absorption, distribution and excretion of xenobiotics)