DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIP

 Paracelsus (1493 to 1591) pioneered the use of chemicals in medicine and coined the term “the dose
makes the poison.”.
 The TD50 is the dose that would be predicted to produce a toxic response in 50% of the population
 The LD50 is the dose that would predict death in 50% of the population.
 The ED50 is the dose that would be predicted to be effective or have a therapeutic benefit in 50% of the
population.
 The individual dose–response relationship pertains to changing health effects based on the change in
xenobiotic exposure levels.
 Quantal dose–response relationships describe the change in health effects of a defined population based
on changes in the exposure to xenobiotics.

Acute and Chronic Toxicity

 Are terms used to relate the duration and frequency of exposure to observed toxic effects.
 Acute toxicity is usually associated with a single, short-term exposure to a substance, the dose of which
is sufficient to cause immediate toxic effects.
 Chronic toxicity is usually associated with repeated frequent exposure for extended periods for greater
than 3 months and possibly years, at doses that are insufficient to cause an immediate acute response.