Several factors contribute to inter species differences in toxicology:
1. Metabolism: Different species possess varying levels of metabolic enzymes that can alter the biotransformation of chemicals. For instance, the enzyme cytochrome P450 varies significantly across species, affecting how quickly a toxin is metabolized.
2. Anatomical and Physiological Differences: Variations in organ structure and function, such as kidney filtration rates and lung architecture, can influence the distribution and excretion of toxins.
3. Genetic Factors: Genetic polymorphisms can lead to different expression levels of enzymes involved in detoxification processes.
4. Diet and Nutrition: The type of diet and nutritional status of an organism can affect its susceptibility to toxins. For example, herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores have different gut microbiota that can influence the metabolism of ingested toxins.
