Consensus statement: Atlantic Coast Contaminants Workshop 2000.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to J Stegeman.
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Participants at the Napa Conference on Genetic and Molecular Ecotoxicology assessed the status of this field in light of heightened concerns about the genetic effects of exposure to hazardous substances and recent advancements in our capabilities to measure those effects. We present here a synthesis of the ideas discussed throughout the conference, including definitions of important concepts in the field and critical research needs and opportunities. While there were many opinions expressed on these topics, there was general agreement that there are substantive new opportunities to improve the impact of genetic and molecular ecotoxicology on prediction of sublethal effects of exposure to hazardous substances. Future studies should emphasize integration of genetic ecotoxicology, ecological genetics, and molecular biology and should be directed toward improving our understanding of the ecological implications of genotoxic responses. Ecological implications may be assessed at either the population or ecosystem level; however, a population-level focus may be most pragmatic. Recent technical advancements in measuring genetic and molecular responses to toxicant exposure will spur rapid progress. These new techniques have considerable promise for increasing our understanding of both mechanisms of toxicity on genes or gene products and the relevance of detrimental effects to individual fitness.
1. Treatment with a commercial mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) resulted in highly significant increases in pigeon hepatic microsomal proteins (100-fold), cytochrome P-450 (11-fold), cytochrome b5 (7-fold), NADPH-cytochrome c-(P450) reductase (7-fold), ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylation (9-fold), aldrin epoxidase (22-fold), ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylation (48-fold), N-demethylation of dimethylnitrosamine (28-fold) but not of lauric acid 12-hydroxylation. 2. SDS-PAGE analysis of pigeon hepatic microsomal proteins induced by Aroclor 1254 suggested highly significant increases in the density of staining in bands of estimated Mr 51-52 kD, 54-54.5 kD, 57-58 kD, 59-60 kD and of 77.5-78.5 kD. 3. The induction of cytochrome P-450IA1 was confirmed by Western immunoblotting using the monoclonal antibodies MAB 1-12-3 and MAB 1-8-4. 4. There was agreement between the 8-fold increase in cytochrome P-450IA1 increased staining of microsomal proteins, as judged by SDS-PAGE, and the 24-fold increase in the amount of protein that reacted with the monoclonal antibodies MAB 1-12-3 and MAB 1-8-4, as judged by Western immunoblotting. 5. It is concluded that treatment with a commercial PCB mixture resulted in the induction of several isoforms of pigeon hepatic cytochrome P-450 in a fashion that is likely to be similar to that reported for mammals.
Co-administration of desipramine and fluoxetine resulted in a 27% decline in cerebral cortical beta-adrenoceptor density after four days - a time point at which neither agent alone was effective. After 14 days, desipramine- and desipramine + fluoxetine-treated rats showed decreased receptor levels, with a greater decrement seen with the combined treatment. Fluoxetine, alone, had no affect on beta-adrenoceptor density at any time point examined. These effects are attributable to central serotonergic action since they were prevented by prior treatment with p-chlorophenylalanine. Cyproheptadine, a 5-HT2 antagonist, did not block these effects. Independent administration of fluoxetine and desipramine produced approximately 20% decrement in isoproterenol-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation after four days of treatment. Co-administration of desipramine and fluoxetine resulted in a 35% decrement in cyclic AMP accumulation which was nearly additive with that produced by either drug alone. Consequently, the combination of a norepinephrine and serotonin uptake inhibitor may be an advantageous and rapid treatment for the alleviation of certain forms of depression.
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