Dose response

Dose response refers to the change in effect on an organism caused by differing levels of exposure (or doses) to a stressor (usually a chemical) after a certain exposure time. This may apply to individuals (a organism dose-response relationship) or populations (a concentration-response relationship).

Definition

A dose response relationship, or exposure-response relationship, describes the change in effect on an organism caused by differing levels of exposure (or doses) to a stressor (usually a chemical) after a certain exposure time. This may apply to individuals (a organism dose-response relationship) or populations (a concentration-response relationship).

Types of Dose Response Relationships

There are two types of dose response relationships: quantal and graded. In a quantal dose-response relationship, the effect of the drug is an all-or-none phenomenon, while in a graded dose-response relationship, the effect of the drug increases with the dose.

Factors Influencing Dose Response

Several factors can influence the dose response relationship, including the organisms age, sex, health status, and genetic makeup. Other factors include the route of administration and the presence of other chemicals.

Dose Response Models

There are several models used to describe dose response relationships, including the linear model, the logarithmic model, and the sigmoidal model. Each model has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of model can greatly influence the interpretation of the dose response data.

Applications

Dose response relationships are used in many fields, including toxicology, pharmacology, and epidemiology. They are used to determine safe levels of exposure, to assess the risk of adverse effects, and to guide the development of new drugs.

See Also

• Toxicology
• Pharmacology
• Epidemiology
• Risk assessment