Toxin-induced Hepatic Pathology

Overview

The liver is the primary site for xenobiotic toxin metabolism and a major storage and synthetic depot for endogenous molecules. At high concentrations, certain xenobiotics and endogenous molecules can induce hepatic injury. High levels of xenobiotics may directly injure the hepatic parenchyma, be metabolized to injuring molecules, or pathologically derange normal hepatic metabolism and thus lead to injury. Excessive hepatic concentrations of certain metals, lipids, or proteins which are normally stored or synthesized in the liver can also injure the liver parenchyma.