Neurotoxicol, short for neurotoxicology, is a multidisciplinary branch of science that deals with the study of neurotoxic substances and their effects on the nervous system. It encompasses the investigation of the toxic properties of various chemicals and drugs that can adversely affect the structure, function, or development of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
The neurotoxicity of a substance refers to its ability to cause damage or impairment to the neurons or other components of the nervous tissue. Neurotoxic substances can include heavy metals, pesticides, solvents, drugs, and certain naturally occurring substances like venom from certain animals or plants. These substances can exert their toxic effects through various mechanisms, such as oxidative stress, disruption of neuronal signaling, interference with neurodevelopmental processes, or inducing inflammation in the nervous tissue.
Neurotoxicol encompasses a wide range of research areas, including the identification and characterization of neurotoxic substances, the study of their mechanisms of action and toxicity, the development of neurotoxicity testing methods, and the assessment of their potential impact on human health and the environment. This field plays a crucial role in toxicology, pharmacology, environmental health, and occupational health by evaluating the risks associated with exposure to neurotoxic substances and providing valuable information for the development of regulations, policies, and interventions to protect human health and the environment from neurotoxic hazards.
