Toxicity and uptake - Does toxicity = uptake (Mar/25/2010 )

Hi

I am very new to this field and I would really appreciate some advice on a question I have. I know that cellular uptake and cytoxicity can be factors of each other but is toxicity positive proof of uptake?

Thanks,

Hi

Just to clarify. i am doing studies with synthetic compounds. The compounds are cytotoxic so now I am wondering whether it is worth it to try and determine that the compounds are taken up by the cells. My logic is that the compounds need to be taken up to cause toxicity. Or am I wrong? Can toxicity be caused extracellularly?

Thanks in advance,

The toxic doenst need to be internalised by the cells to cause any harm.
It can cause problems by simply "being" there.

pH. shift, osmolarity changes, membrane interaction, blocking off substances from entering/leaving cell causing apoptosis?

Brightside on Mar 25 2010, 05:17 AM said:

Hi

Thank you very much for the responses - it is much appreciated!!

Ususally we use the term "bioavailability" to describe whether the toxin can be taken up by the cells. As far as I understand, if the toxin is not bioavailable, you won't expect it can cause cytotoxicity. It is true that some toxins act on the cell membrane, but the ultimate adverse effect occurs ususally inside the cell. So I don't think "toxin can cause toxicity extracellularly" is a correct statement.