Nervous system is in the most cases a likely target for the untoward effects of chemicals. The harmful consequences affect primarily the individual but may also considerably strain the whole society. The consumption of ethanol is a glaring example (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism 1978). As ethanol, many organic liquids have similar immediate effects on the nervous system. The rapidity of the response suggests the involvement of the neuronal communication. The nervous system is also vulnerable to the depletion of oxygen, another common cause for the rapid deterioration of the brain function. It is quite impossible to list all the effects produced by the very large number of the individual chemicals. It would be more fruitful to try to understand the characteristics of the nervous system and the biochemical toxic mechanisms in the evaluation of the neurotoxicity of chemicals. Transfer of Xenobiotics in the Brain The adult central nervous system displays a functional barrier toward the blood-borne chemicals so that water-soluble compounds with an approximate molecular weight above 100 are largely prevented from directly entering the brain (Bradbury 1979). The functional barrier has morphological features typical to it and has a very close association of adjacent capillary cells separated by clefts of 12 A wide (Jacobs 1978). The nervous system capillaries are enveloped by glial cell tongues, and these pericytes contain contractile elements (Le Beux and Willemot 1978a, b) so that the capillaries can be constricted.

New Synthetic Opioids (NSOs), most of which are illegally produced and sold for recreational use, are posing a serious threat to the health of consumers. Due to the low cost of materials and equipment required for clandestine laboratories production with respect to the production cost of heroin, NSOs are climbing the illegal street and web drug market. Several of these drugs have been involved in a recent rise in acute intoxications and overdose deaths. Since NSOs offer enormous profit potential, and there is strong demand for their use, these drugs are being trafficked by organized crime and present major challenges for medical professionals facing intoxications and fatalities, law enforcement agencies fighting against their diffusion and policymakers trying to restrain the use and abuse of NSOs. This Research Topic aimed to fill the gap on current knowledge on pharmacology and toxicology, health risks for adult and newborns of NSOs covering both basic scientific as well as epidemiological and clinical aspects. 3 reviews, 3 mini-reviews, 1 original article, 2 case reports and 1 opinion are here presented.

This book provides comprehensive coverage of the theoretical developments and technological breakthroughs that have deepened our understanding of environmental pollution and human health, while also promoting a comprehensive strategy to address these problems. The respective chapters highlight groundbreaking concepts fueling the development of environmental chemistry and toxicology; revolutionary analytical and computational approaches providing novel insights into environmental health; and nature-inspired, innovative engineering solutions for tackling complex hazardous exposures. The book also features a forward-looking perspective on emerging environmental issues that call for new research and regulatory paradigms, laying the groundwork for future advances in the broad field of environmental chemistry and toxicology. Written by respected authorities in the field, A New Paradigm for Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology - From Concepts to Insights will offer an invaluable reference guide for concerned researchers and professional practitioners for years to come.

Veterinary Toxicology for Australia and New Zealand is a reference suited to the unique challenges of veterinary practice in Australia and New Zealand. Both streamlined and thorough in its coverage of poisons and treatments for those locations, this focused approach allows readers to quickly find relevant information that is presented in a concise and logical manner that is useful to clinicians. The authors draw upon a wealth of knowledge of the particularities of toxicology in Australia and New Zealand to present readers with the up-to-date information required to efficiently and effectively diagnose and treat their patients. Highlights toxins of specific concern in Australia and New Zealand Structures information in a logical way so that it can be located quickly Offers up-to-date information on current and emerging risks