INTRODUCTION

o Neurobehavioral toxicity refers to the adverse effects of chemicals or

other substances on the functioning of the nervous system, including
the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
o These effects can be caused by a variety of mechanisms, such as
disruption of neural signaling pathways, damage to neurons and their
supporting cells, and alterations in neurotransmitter systems.
o Neurobehavioral toxicity can result in a wide range of cognitive,
emotional, and behavioral changes, including impaired memory and
learning, decreased attention and concentration, increased agitation
and irritability, and even psychotic symptoms.
 INTRODUCTION
o The study of neurobehavioral toxicity involves evaluation of both the
direct and indirect effects of chemicals on the nervous system.
o Direct effects occur when chemicals interact directly with neural
tissue, altering the function or structure of neurons, glial cells, or other
components of the nervous system.
o Indirect effects can result from changes in the body that are not
necessarily related to direct interactions with the nervous system but
nevertheless impact its function, such as changes in hormone levels,
metabolism, or immune response.
 DIFFERENCE
NEUROTOXICITY NEUROBEHAVIORAL TOXICITY

o Refers to the ability of a o Refers to the ability of a substance to

substance to damage or kill affect behavior, emotions, and
neurons, leading to structural cognitive function without necessarily
and functional changes in the causing direct damage to neurons or
nervous system. their supporting structures.

o Effects can include degeneration o Effects can include changes in mood,

of neurons, loss of myelin anxiety, sleep patterns, and cognitive
sheaths, and disruption of performance.
neurotransmitter systems.
TARGETS OF NERVOUS SYSTEM
PNS - PERIPHERAL NERVOUS
SYSTEM
Myelinopathies : -Myelin provides
electrical insulation of neuronal
processes, and its absence leads to a
slowing of and/or aberrant conduction
of impulses between adjacent
processes, so-called ephaptic
transmission.
Myelinopathies are disorders that
affect the myelin sheath, which is a
fatty insulating substance that
surrounds and protects nerve fibers.
TARGETS OF NERVOUS SYSTEM
PNS - PERIPHERAL NERVOUS
SYSTEM
Axonopathy: The neurotoxic
disorders termed axonopathies are
those in which the primary site of
toxicity is the axon itself. The axon
degenerates, and with it the myelin
surrounding that axon; however, the
neuron cell body remains intact.
Axonopathy refers to damage or
degeneration of the axons, which are
the long, slender extensions of a
neuron that transmit signals away from
the cell body.
 TARGETS OF NERVOUS SYSTEM
PNS - PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

THE PATIENT
Neuronopathy: Peripheral nervous system (PNS) neuronopathy refers to damage or
disease affecting the peripheral nerves outside the central nervous system (CNS).
Neuronopathy is a form of polyneuropathy and occurs as a result of neuron
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degeneration. It is a subgroup of disorders of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)
and involves the destruction of specific neurons in this area.
There are several types of neuronopathy, including sensory neuronopathy, also known
as ganglionopathy, motor neuronopathy, and autonomic neuronopathy. Each of these
types is characterized by damage to particular neurons in the PNS and can lead to a
distinct set of resulting symptoms.
 CNS- NEUROTRANSMITTER

Neurotransmission is the process by which chemical messengers

(neurotransmitters) transmit signals between neurons in the nervous system. This
process is crucial for normal brain function, including mood regulation,
movement, and cognitive processes.
 A wide variety of naturally occurring toxins, as well as synthetic chemicals, alters specific
mechanisms of intercellular communication.

Nicotine Widely available in tobacco

products and in certain pesticides,
Nicotine exerts its effects by binding to a
subset of cholinergic receptors, the
nicotinic receptors.
These receptors are located in ganglia, at
the neuromuscular junction, and also
within the CNS, where the psychoactive
and addictive properties most likely
reside
At the same time, nicotine leads to a sensation of “relaxation” and is associated with
alterations of electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings in humans. These effects are
probably related to the binding of nicotine with nicotinic receptors within the CNS, and the
EEG changes may be blocked with mecamylamine, a nicotinic antagonist.

Cocaine and Amphetamines Cocaine blocks the

reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin at
the nerve terminal in the CNS, and also causes release
of dopamine from storage vesicles.
Amphetamines also affect catecholamine
neurotransmission in the CNS, but also have the
potential to damage monoaminergic cells directly.