A mechanism for hormesis--a problem in the wrong discipline

Abstract

The wealth of examples of hormesis exhibiting the beta curve leave little doubt as to the generality of the phenomenon. However, its full acceptance requires a satisfactory theoretical basis to account for the diversity of instances of hormesis; without it the concept has little meaning beyond what is obvious from the defining beta curve. It has been proposed that a homeostatic hypothesis is the most plausible and is gaining support. However, there is a need to involve researchers in other disciplines than toxicology to identify physiological mechanisms to account for it, whereupon hormesis can begin to gain wider recognition and fulfill its potential in pure and applied science.