Non-specific Non-specific<unk> g<unk>  result in narcosis; therefore, narcosis is a<unk> . Narcosis is defined as a generalized depression in biological activity due to the presence of toxicant molecules in the organism. The target site and mechanism of toxic<unk>  through which narcosis affects organisms are still unclear, but there are hypotheses that support that it occurs through alterations in the cell membranes at specific sites of the membranes, such as the lipid layers or the proteins bound to the membranes. Even though continuous exposure to a narcotic toxicant can produce death, if the exposure to the toxicant is stopped, narcosis can be reversible. Specific Toxicants that at low concentrations modify or inhibit some biological process by binding at a specific site or molecule have a specific<unk> g<unk> . However, at high enough concentrations, toxicants with specific<unk> g<unk> s can produce narcosis that may or may not be reversible. Nevertheless, the specific<unk>  of the toxicant is always shown first because it requires lower concentrations. There are several specific<unk> g<unk> : *Uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation. Involves toxicants that uncouple the two processes that occur in oxidative phosphorylation: electron transfer and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. * Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors. AChE is an enzyme associated with nerve synapses that it’s designed to regulate nerve impulses by breaking down the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine (ACh). When toxicants bind to AChE, they inhibit the breakdown of ACh. This results in continued nerve impulses across the synapses, which eventually cause nerve system damage. Examples of AChE inhibitors are organophosphates and carbamates, which are components found in pesticides (see Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors). * Irritants. These are chemicals that cause an inflammatory effect on living tissue by chemical<unk>  at the site of contact. The resulting effect of irritants is an increase in the volume of cells due to a change in size (hypertrophy) or an increase in the number of cells (hyperplasia). Examples of irritants are benzaldehyde, acrolein, zinc sulphate and chlorine. * Central nervous system (CNS) seizure agents. CNS seizure agents inhibit cellular signaling by<unk> g as receptor antagonists. They result in the inhibition of biological responses. Examples of CNS seizure agents are organochlorine pesticides. * Respiratory blockers. These are toxicants that affect respiration by interfering with the electron transport chain in the mitochondria. Examples of respiratory blockers are rotenone and cyanide.
Modes of toxic action
Toxic capacity
Physiological effects in space
Antimicrobial spectrum
Biological half-life
Pain tolerance
Anatomy of an Epidemic
Route of administration