Mechanism of Toxicity

MECHANISM OF TOXICITY

  • These drugs are neuro poisons. Being highly lipid soluble, they can enter the neuronal tissues easily. They act by
    • reducing the potassium transport through pores
    • inactivating sodium channel closure
    • inhibiting Na+-K+ and Ca 2+-Mg2+ ATPases
    • inhibiting calmodulin Ca2+ binding with release of neurotransmitter
    • In addition, some members act on the chloride ion transport by antagonizing the GABA receptors in the chloride channels.
  • Sodium influx is enhanced and potassium outflow is inhibited. Hence there is enhanced action potential and increased tendency for seizures.
  • A metabolite of DDT inhibits the output of adrenal glands by selective necrosis of zona fasiculata and zona reticularis.
Last modified: Sunday, 30 October 2011, 10:22 AM