Mechanism of Toxicity

MECHANISM OF TOXICITY

  • Iron can change its valance states from ferrous to ferric and then back to ferrous very rapidly.
  • It plays a major role in redox reactions.
  • Anaphylactic reactions are noticed due to the release of histamine.
  • True iron toxicity is due to
    • Direct damage to the gastrointestinal epithelium as unbound iron is corrosive and a strong irritant and subsequent absorption of iron in excess
    • Iron has an ability to act as and produce free radiacls. Free readicals scavenge electrons and in doing so produce additional free radiacls. This causes direct damage to the liver by depletion of glutathione and peroxidation of lipids
    • Hypotension, increased capillary permeability and vasodilatation due to ferritin
    • Interference with blood coagulation
  • Death is due to inadequate perfusion of vital organs.
Last modified: Thursday, 21 April 2011, 3:49 PM