What mechanisms are involved in the metabolism of toxicants?
The metabolism of toxicants primarily occurs in the liver through Phase I and Phase II reactions:
Phase I Reactions: These involve oxidation, reduction, or hydrolysis, often introducing or exposing a functional group on the toxicant. Phase II Reactions: These involve conjugation with endogenous substances, making the toxicant more water-soluble and facilitating its excretion.
Metabolism can sometimes convert non-toxic compounds into harmful metabolites, a process known as bioactivation.
