Environmental neurotoxicity of chemicals and radiation.
Epidemiologic and societal concerns continue to stimulate studies in the field of environmental neurotoxicology. Although the role of heavy metals, aluminum, and iron are unclear in the etiology of human neurodegenerative disorders, these toxins have provided fertile ground for in vivo and in vitro experimental studies to elucidate their role in neurotoxic injury. Experimental models of clinical syndromes are discussed with special relevance to developmental neurotoxicology. Cycloleucine, tellurium, and 1,3-dinitrobenzene provide models of subacute combined degeneration, primary peripheral nerve demyelination, and thiamine deficiency-like lesions, respectively. Increasing attention is being given to irradiation neurotoxicity, especially in the developing or young central nervous system. A fuller understanding of the pathogenesis of low-dose irradiation injury allows for a clearer understanding of its neurobiology and also provides a more rational approach to understanding an interventional therapy associated with brain irradiation for childhood neoplasia.
Department of Pathology, University of California, Medical Center, Los Angeles 90024.
M A
MA
Verity
D000535:Aluminum / Q000009:adverse effects; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000528:radiation effects*; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000209:etiology; D003704:Dementia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000009:adverse effects; D009498:Neurotoxins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D009498:Neurotoxins; D000535:Aluminum; D007501:Iron