title: Adaptive and nonadaptive consequences of chemical inhibition of intercellular communication.
abstract: Intercellular communication is a fundamental process in multicellular organisms developed to orchestrate homeostatic control of mitotic and differentiation processes in pre- and postmitotic cells. Endogenous and exogenous chemicals can, via a series of mechanisms, interfere with intercellular communication between and within various tissues. The responses to the inhibition of non-gap-junctional and gap-junctional communication can be either adaptive or nonadaptive depending on the mitigating circumstances. The inhibition of gap-junctional communication appears to be one of the sequelae of a membrane-triggered response to many natural and man-made pharmacological chemicals. The biological consequences of inhibited intercellular communication might include teratogenesis (embryo or fetal toxicity), tumor promotion, reproductive toxicology, and neuroendocrine-related disorders.
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000818:Animals; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000187:drug effects*; D004194:Disease / Q000139:chemically induced; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D005609:Free Radicals; D006262:Health; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D013723:Teratogens / Q000633:toxicity
chemical_list: D005609:Free Radicals; D013723:Teratogens