Toxicology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Toxicology, including details on forensic toxicology, carcinogenicity, assays.

Molecular mechanisms of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin cardiovascular embryotoxicity.

Goldstone HM, Stegeman JJ

The Josephine Bay Paul Center for Comparative Molecular Biology and Evolution, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA. hhandley@alum.mit.edu

2,3,7,8 Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and related planar halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons are widespread environmental contaminants and potent developmental toxicants. Hallmarks of embryonic exposure include edema, hemorrhage, and mortality. Recent studies in zebrafish and chicken have revealed direct impairment of cardiac muscle growth that may underlie these overt symptoms. TCDD toxicity is mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, but downstream targets remain unclear. Oxidative stress and growth factor modulation have been implicated in TCDD cardiovascular toxicity. Gene expression profiling is elucidating additional pathways by which TCDD might act. We review our understanding of the mechanism of TCDD embryotoxicity at morphological and molecular levels.

Published 10 May 2006 in Drug Metab Rev, 38(1): 261-89.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2008 Toxicology Research Today. All Rights Reserved.