A<unk>  (Gr., hepato = liver) is a toxic chemical substance that damages the liver. It can be a side-effect, but<unk> s are also found naturally, such as microcystins and pyrrolizidine alkaloids, or in laboratory environments, such as carbon tetrachloride, or far more pevasively in the form of ethanol (drinking alcohol). The effects of<unk> s depend on the amount, point of entry and distribution speed of the toxin, and on the health of the person. Intrinsic<unk> s (type A) have a predictable, dose-dependent effect. Idiosyncratic (type B)<unk>  reactions are unpredictable, independent of dose, and appear to be determined by the individual exposed. Compounds that preferentially affect bile ducts are referred to as "cholestatic", one example being chlorpromazine. Those that target mostly the hepatocytes themselves are termed "hepatocellular", one example being paracetamol. "Mixed" toxicity, affecting both the bile ducts and hepatocytes, is not uncommon. Hepatocellular injury is clinically marked by a high ratio of ALT to ALP, and cholestatic injury by a lower ratio.
Hepatotoxin
Dinotoxin
Chlorotoxin
Conotoxin
Hemotoxin
Kaliotoxin
Neurotoxin
Staphylotoxin