Overview

The Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology explores the mechanisms of drug action, therapeutic efficacy, and toxicological profiles of natural, synthetic, and endogenous compounds across cellular, organ, and whole-organism systems. By combining pharmacodynamics (the biochemical and physiological effects of drugs and their mechanisms of action) with toxicology (the science and risk assessment of adverse chemical exposures), the department provides foundational scientific evidence linking molecular interventions to clinical outcomes. Utilizing advanced cell culture and in vivo animal models, faculty and researchers assess biological safety, therapeutic thresholds, and xenobiotic mechanisms.

History and Evolution

Toxicology as a formal academic discipline in Iran has progressed alongside international standards, supported by active participation in the International Union of Toxicology (IUTOX). Specialized postgraduate training commenced in 1988 (1367 SH) with the doctoral program at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. At Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, the department launched its Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Toxicology in 2003 (1382 SH) and its Ph.D. program in Toxicology in 2006 (1385 SH). The department operates specialized research suites, an in vitro cell culture facility, and pharmacology-toxicology training laboratories that support research, regulatory consulting, and hospital poisoning centers.

Academic & Research Scope

The department integrates fundamental biomedical research, regulatory toxicology, and clinical toxicology education:

• Pharmacological & Pharmacodynamic Profiling: Investigating cardiovascular pharmacology, neuropharmacology, molecular receptor pathways, and drug-metabolizing enzyme polymorphisms.
• Toxicological Evaluation & Safety Testing: Performing acute, subacute, subchronic, and chronic toxicity testing, assessing organ-specific toxicity (hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, cardiotoxicity), teratogenic assays, and cellular toxicity screening.
• Molecular & Mechanistic Toxicology: Studying xenobiotic-induced signal transduction alterations, cellular apoptosis, oxidative stress biomarkers, and gene/protein expression responses.
• Postgraduate Programs & Professional Services: Delivering M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs in Toxicology, teaching Pharm.D. courses (Pharmacology, Toxicology, Drug Information, Pharmacy Clerkships), and providing toxicological expertise for hospital poison wards, forensic organizations, food and drug testing laboratories, and environmental agencies.

Mission and Vision

• Our Mission: To provide high-quality education in pharmacology and toxicology for Pharm.D., M.Sc., and Ph.D. students; to elucidate toxicological and pharmacological mechanisms through rigorous experimental models; and to serve public health by consulting for clinical poisoning units, regulatory authorities, and forensic agencies.
• Our Vision: To serve as a distinguished national and regional reference center for toxicological safety assessments, cellular and molecular pharmacology research, and advanced postgraduate training.