History Of Immunotoxicology

History of Immunotoxicology offers the first book-length exploration of the development and importance of the field of immunotoxicology. Toxicology is evolving with the identification of new toxic hazards and the marketing of new chemicals. As preventive measures are implemented to reduce risks, including banning of chemicals or applications of one given chemical, current toxicologists may not be aware of the actual toxicity potential of chemicals when marketing or used in the past. Knowledge of what has occurred before can help to give context and understanding of current and future debates. Although immunotoxicology is one of the youngest areas of toxicology – its origin dates back to approximately half a century – a number of significant adverse effects and safety issues have been described, which deserve a historical perspective. History of Immunotoxicology describes the adverse health effects involving the immune system, hypersensitivity and autoimmunity. It also explores new avenues of research and immunotoxicity evaluation, as well as regulatory aspects of immunotoxicology, and the withdrawal/banning from the market of several approved drugs and chemicals due to their immunotoxic effects. Clinical manifestations of immunotoxicity, such as anaphylaxis, opportunistic infections, lymphomas, cytokine storm, and immunotherapy will be addressed. Finally, the book considers how the recent past can provide insights on the future practice of immunotoxicology. This book will be of interest to students and researchers in government, industry, and academia who have an interest in immunotoxicology. Examines the development of immunotoxicology Provides context to current debates about actual toxicity potential of chemicals Covers major developments and areas of immunotoxicology

Provides an overview of the effects of environmentally and occupationally important metals on the immune system and host defence. The fist ten chapters in the text focus on particular metals or groups of metals, including arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, nickel and vanadium. Subsequent chapters examine the immunotoxicological effects of trace metals such as indium and platinum and essential metals such as iron, zinc and copper. The main emphasis is on the in vivo and in vitro effects of these metals on host immune responses in a variety of mammalian species including humans. Each chapter also briefly reviews the history, use, occurrence, biology and toxicology of the metals.

Continuing the tradition set by the first and second editions, each a bestseller in its own right, the third edition of Immunotoxicology and Immunopharmacology provides reviews of environmental agents, updated to reflect the latest information on how these agents influence immune system function and health. For the first time in the book's history, an entire section covers the phylogeny and ontogeny of the immune system, spanning levels of biological complexity from earthworms to marine mammals.

Investigative Immunotoxicology provides a critical evaluation of proposed experimental animal models and approaches, and discusses the contribution that immunotoxicity can make to the overall assessment of chemical-induced adverse health effects on humans and the ecosystem. Following a review of general concepts in immunotoxicology, the book discus

Continuing the tradition set by the first and second editions, each a bestseller in its own right, the third edition of Immunotoxicology and Immunopharmacology provides reviews of environmental agents, updated to reflect the latest information on how these agents influence immune system function and health. For the first time in the book's history, an entire section covers the phylogeny and ontogeny of the immune system, spanning levels of biological complexity from earthworms to marine mammals.

Considerable scientific and political interest has been expressed, parallelling public concern about the effects of chemicals on the immune system and the implications of those effects for health. Coupled with speculation about the magnitude and extent of the problem is discussion of needs for predictive testing and regulatory control measures. The first international seminar on the immunological system as a target for toxic damage was held in Luxembourg in 1984. It was organized by the International Programme on Chemical Safety (United Nations Environment Programme-International Labour Office World Health Organization) and the Commission of the European Communities with the support of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (USA) and the participation of the International Society of Immunopharmacology. In view of the perceived importance of imrnunotoxicity, it was considered necessary to organize a follow-up meeting. Thus, an international workshop on the immunotoxicity of metals and immuno toxicology was held in Hanover, Federal Republic of Germany, on 6-10 November 1989.

This is a review of clinical adverse effects on the human immune system that may occur following drug treatments and chemcical exposures. Current and prospective models and assays that can be used to predict these adverse effects in animal toxicity studies or in human beings are described.

This fully updated volume utilizes the expertise of scientists currently engaged in immunotoxicity testing to provide the reader with lab-ready procedures and the background information needed to identify effective testing approaches. Dedicated to identifying and describing exogenous agents that can modify immune function, uncovering modes and mechanisms of action for such agents, and translating data from the laboratory and from the clinic to better predict health risks as well as benefits to those who are exposed to immunomodulatory agents, immunotoxicity testing continues to be a vital field of study, and this collection highlights both the “tried and true” methods as well as alternative protocols that have been more recently developed. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Immunotoxicity Testing: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition serves as a valuable contribution to the continued evolution and the application of immunotoxicity testing.