Hormesis

Hormesis

Hormesis (pronounced /hɔːrˈmiːsɪs/) is a biological phenomenon whereby a beneficial effect (improved health, stress tolerance, growth or longevity) results from exposure to low doses of an agent that is otherwise toxic or lethal when given at higher doses.

Etymology

The term "hormesis" comes from the Greek word hormáein, which means "to set in motion, impel, urge on". It was first used in toxicology in 1943 by Chester M. Southam and J. Ehrlich.

Related Terms

• Toxicology: The study of the adverse effects of chemical substances on living organisms.
• Dose-response relationship: The relationship between the amount of exposure (dose) to a substance and the resulting changes in body function or health (response).
• Homeostasis: The ability of an organism or cell to maintain equilibrium by adjusting its physiological processes.
• Adaptation (biology): The process of change by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment.
• Stressor: A chemical or biological agent, environmental condition, external stimulus or an event that causes stress to an organism.

See Also

• Radiation hormesis
• Drug tolerance
• Preconditioning (biology)
• Mitohormesis

References

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Hormesis
• Wikipedia's article - Hormesis

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