This is the first part of the Mammalian Toxicology, Biology 666, Final. The total exam is worth 100 points, 25% of the course grade. This portion is worth 50 points. There are 7 questions of which you must answer 5. Each is worth 10 points. This portion of the exam is being made available on Monday, May 5, 2003. It is due on Monday, May 12, 2003. It is a "take home" segment, so you may use your notes, text, or other resources in addressing the questions. Do not consult with one another during the testing. Except as noted, answers are not restricted to a specific length. They should not require more than a couple of pages each. You do not need to include general references. However, if you use a reference extensively, or if you quote directly from a particular source, please cite it in your response. Make a hard copy of your responses as well as posting them to this portion of the Mammalian Toxicology Web Site.

I have enjoyed working with all of you on this course. Good luck with the exam. K.L. Campbell

Take Home Questions:

1. In reproductive toxicity testing, semen evaluation has been a favored biomarker. Using semen analysis, spermatogenesis can be evaluated from two standpoints: the number of spermatozoa produced per day and the quality of the spermatozoa produced. What do each of these endpoints actually reflect? Do they say anything about the type or timing of the toxicant insult? Do they say anything about the mechanism of the process involved?



2. What is the process of evaluation required by laws within the US for testing of new, synthetic chemicals to be added to baby food as preservatives? If there is more than one step, how are each of these steps conducted and what do each of these steps do? How long does the overall process take? Are there any complications if the preservative demonstrates some small excess of bladder tumor formation only in guinea pigs?



3. How can a toxicant have an apparent distribution volume larger than the volume of the circulating blood supply? What about larger than the volume of the total body? What implications would a very large distribution volume have on the toxic impact of a compound, its clearance, and any attempts to assist in eliminating it from the affected organism?



4. What are the assumptions underlying the use of animal testing in assessment of possible human toxicity risks? Are they justified?



5. Would you eat honey made by bees from azalea flowers? Why or why not? Explain the specific reasoning behind your answer.



6. How might toxicant A [= 1-(2',5'-dihdroxyphenyl)-buta-2,3-ene-4-ol] be metabolized? Would you expect any possible activated intermediates? And, what form(s) might the endproducts or ultimate toxicants take?



7. A prize horse has managed to ingest a large volume of a concentrated, ionizable, alkaline detergent that was spilled into his water bucket. You are the veterinarian called to a large, well- equipped horse stable to attend. How do you proceed? What decisions do you make and what information do you use to make them?