Nervous system

This chapter will examine various routes of exposure of toxicants and toxins from occupational, to environmental, to accidental, and to intentional exposure. We will overview the various types of neurotoxic damage such as neuropathy, myelinopathy, and axonopathy resulting from exposure to various toxicants and toxins. Toxicants that will be discussed include metals, gases/vapors/solvents, pesticides, legal, and illegal drugs. Naturally occurring toxins that will be examined include plant/bacterial/fungal toxins, as well as spider and snake venoms. We will examine the factors affecting absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (ADME) of these exogenous toxicants and toxins and discuss how ADME factors may have a role in developing neurotoxicity. The toxicokinetics of different agents and their ability to cross the blood–brain barrier are examined and discussed in relation to the degree of toxicity exerted in the central nervous system.