Abstract
Toxicologic pathology concerns the effect of potentially noxious products on the body. Toxicologic pathology differs in approach and methodology from diagnostic pathology. Many short-term studies are conducted to elucidate the mechanism of action of the test compound, to give some idea of its toxicity and to identify possible target organs. These studies incorporate standard histopathologic and clinical pathologic techniques. Sometimes specialized techniques, including electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, autoradiography, and quantitative morphometry, are warranted. The first goal of toxicologic pathology is to establish the precise degree of risk posed to the test animals under the controlled exposure conditions. The process is similar to diagnostic pathology in lesion evaluation but differs in the manner in which data are compiled. Most of the factors that influence evaluation of morphologic change (e.g., poor fixation of tissue) have the undesirable effect of increasing the variability within groups and subsequently the range of data that the pathologist is forced to accept, which decreases the sensitivity of the methods used. The chapter describes factors influencing the evaluation of altered morphology.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Haschek and Rousseaux's Handbook of Toxicologic Pathology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
