title: Effects of plasticisers and related compounds on the expression of the soluble form of catechol-O-methyltransferase in MCF-7 cells.
abstract: Previously we have shown that E2 down regulates S-COMT expression. Here the effects of four phthalate esters and 4-(tert-octyl)phenol on the intra-cellular levels of S-COMT and COMT activity were studied in MCF-7 cells as a measure of estrogenic activity of these compounds. The four phthalate esters caused significant reductions in both S-COMT protein and COMT activity levels. These effects were inhibited by the ERalpha receptor antagonist ICI182780. 4-(tert-octyl)phenol also caused reductions in these parameters, but the effects were not abolished by ICI182780. Assay of S-COMT protein levels represents a simple and convenient method of assessing the estrogenic potential of a compound.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neurology, University Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China.
authors.forename: P W L
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.forename: A C Y
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Chu
authors.forename: K H H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Kwok
authors.forename: H F
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: M H W
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Kung
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Ramsden
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Ho
mesh_terms: D015153:Blotting, Western; D002394:Catechol O-Methyltransferase / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology; D015971:Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D010795:Phthalic Acids / Q000633:toxicity; D010968:Plasticizers / Q000633:toxicity*; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D010795:Phthalic Acids; D010968:Plasticizers; D004958:Estradiol; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls; D002394:Catechol O-Methyltransferase