[Dioxin-l] Single molecule and statistics

[Ronald Shore]

Have those knowledgeable in molecular toxicology any comment on a point 
raised briefly by someone a while back and tied to the question of minimum 
dose: the statistical features of a toxin reaching its intended site?  We 
might guess that the rate of the two "finding" each other is proportional to 
the product of their concentrations.  At large levels of dioxin in a system 
the rate of encounter will be high.  But its efficacy will fall in line with 
lowering concentrations.

The excellent point raised by Diane Henshel about a nonzero rate of 
metabolic destruction then comes into play.  That process too should take 
place at a rate proportional to products of concentration, and will operate 
competitively with the toxic activity.

The net result of this approach is a simple mathematical model (where the 
proportionality constants are specific rate constants) that someone ought to 
be able to discuss.

(My guess is that a single molecule of toxin will ultimately do its job, but 
only if the recipient lives to a very old age, and if his/her metabolic 
destruction processes are compromised.)

Hopefully

RS
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