histotoxische

Histotoxische is a term used in toxicology to describe toxins or toxic effects that primarily injure body tissues rather than causing immediate systemic poisoning. Etymologically, histo- means tissue, and -toxische derives from toxin; the term is commonly used in Dutch and some German sources and is often translated as histotoxic in English.

Histotoxic effects target cellular structures and the extracellular matrix, leading to local necrosis, edema and inflammatory responses. Mechanisms include enzymatic tissue degradation (such as proteases, collagenases and hyaluronidases), disruption of cell membranes by phospholipases, and vascular injury that worsens tissue necrosis.

In venom and toxin research, histotoxins are described as components that cause tissue destruction at the exposure site. They are distinguished from systemic neurotoxins or hemotoxins by their predominant local tissue-damaging profile. The classification of venom components into histotoxic, cytotoxic, hemotoxic and neurotoxic is not always uniform across sources.

Clinical significance and management: histotoxic effects can produce severe local tissue damage, necrosis, delayed wound healing and an increased risk of infection. Treatment focuses on wound care, debridement of necrotic tissue, infection control with antibiotics when indicated, and antivenom if the source is a venom with histotoxic components. Early intervention helps limit tissue loss; irreversible necrosis may require surgical intervention.

See also: cytotoxicity, necrotoxicity, histotoxicity, venom components.