Cytotoxicity

Cytotoxicity

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Microscopic view of cellular damage

Cytotoxicity refers to the quality of being toxic to cells. It describes the ability of certain substances or agents to kill or damage cells. Understanding cytotoxicity is crucial in fields like pharmacology, toxicology, and medicine, particularly in the development of new drugs and in the assessment of chemical safety.

Overview

Cytotoxicity involves:

• Harmful effects on individual cells.
• Disruption of cellular mechanisms leading to cell death or damage.
• Implications for organ function and overall health.

Mechanisms of Cytotoxicity

File:Antibody-dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity.svg

Illustration of Apoptosis, a form of cell death

The mechanisms through which substances exert cytotoxic effects include:

• Disruption of cell membranes.
• Interference with essential biochemical processes.
• Induction of apoptosis (programmed cell death).
• Causing oxidative stress within cells.

Causes of Cytotoxicity

Common causes or sources of cytotoxicity are:

• Chemical compounds (e.g., toxins, pollutants).
• Biological agents (e.g., venoms, certain immune cells).
• Radiation (e.g., UV light, ionizing radiation).
• Certain pharmaceuticals, particularly chemotherapy agents.

Detection and Measurement

Cytotoxicity is commonly detected and measured through:

• In vitro assays (e.g., MTT assay, LDH assay).
• Observation of cell viability, morphology, and function.
• Use of biomarkers indicative of cell stress or death.

Significance in Drug Development

In the context of drug development, cytotoxicity testing is vital for:

• Evaluating the safety and therapeutic index of new drugs.
• Identifying potential side effects in early stages of development.

Cytotoxic Therapies in Medicine

Cytotoxic agents play a significant role in medicine, especially in:

• Cancer treatment, where they are used to kill rapidly dividing tumor cells.
• Immunosuppressive therapy, to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs.

References

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• Davis, J. P., & Smith, L. R. (2023). Understanding Cytotoxicity in Drug Development. Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology.
• Thompson, M., & Lee, S. (2022). Cytotoxic Agents in Cancer Therapy: Mechanisms and Applications. Medical Oncology Review.

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