ABSTRACT
The disposition of a toxic compound in a biological system may be conveniently divided into four interrelated phases:
In this and the next chapter, each of these phases will be considered in turn.
3.2 ABSORPTION
It is clear that to exert a toxic effect a compound must come into contact with the biological system under consideration. It may exert a local effect at the site of administration on initial exposure, but it must penetrate the organism in order to have a systemic effect. The most common means of entry for toxic compounds are via the gastrointestinal tract and the lungs, although in certain circumstances, absorption through the skin may be an important route. Therapeutic agents may also enter the body by other routes such as injection.
