Toxic effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and related compounds.
Dioxin-type chemicals produce a variety of toxic and biochemical changes, some of which occur at very low doses and last for long periods of time. The most consistent toxin effect is body weight loss. In animals, the histopathologic changes, which are hyperplastic and hypertrophic, affect the gastrointestinal mucosa and the urinary track epithelium. In contrast, atrophic responses are seen in the thymus. Both hyperplasia and necrosis are observed in the liver. The administration of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin also produces endocrine effects and changes in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. The most serious toxic effects and the biochemical background of the lesions are reviewed.
Mitrou
P I.
PI
Second Department of Internal Medicine, Research Institute and Diabetes Center, Athens University Medical School, 'Evangelismos' Hospital, P.O. Box 171 51, GR-100 24, Athens, Greece
Dimitriadis
G
G
Raptis
S A.
SA