title: Signal transduction in environmental neurotoxicity.
abstract: Signal transduction is the process by which specific information is transferred from the cell surface to the cytosol and ultimately to the nucleus, leading to changes in gene expression. Since these chains of biochemical and molecular steps control the normal function of each cell, disruption of these processes would have a significant impact on cell physiology. Some of the major signal transduction pathways are briefly reviewed. The interactions of four chemicals (lead, ethanol, polychlorinated biphenyls, and trimethyltin) with different cell signaling systems, particularly the phospholipid hydrolysis/protein kinase C pathway, are discussed. The possible causal relationship of such cellular and molecular interactions with known signs and symptoms of neurotoxicity are highlighted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental Health, University of Washington, Seattle 98105, USA. lgcosta@u.washington.edu
authors.forename: L G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Costa
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002468:Cell Physiological Phenomena; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D006801:Humans; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D009498:Neurotoxins / Q000633:toxicity*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D009498:Neurotoxins