Superfund Research Program
Mechanisms and Consequences of Neutrophil Activation by Hazardous Chemicals
Project Leader: Robert A. Roth
Grant Number: P42ES004911
Funding Period: 1995 - 2000
Project-Specific Links
- Project Summary
Final Progress Reports
Year: 1999
Results of experiments performed in the last year demonstrate that mitogen-activated protein kinases are involved in the activation of phospholipase A2 by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Thus, some of the upstream targets of cellular activation by PCBs are being uncovered. In addition, molecular modeling studies revealed a structural motif common to PCBs and other organochlorine compounds that activate neutrophils through a phospholipase A2-dependent mechanism. The significance of this finding is that one may be able to predict whether organochlorine chemicals affect neutrophil function on the basis of the presence or absence of this motif. Furthermore, defining this motif may provide insight into the mechanism by which PCBs and other chlorinated chemicals affect neutrophil function.