The Role of Desert-Dust Metals in the Pathobiology of Gulf War Illness
Abstract
After the First Persian Gulf War (1990-1991), many U.S. personnel reported suffering from a chronic multi-symptom disease eventually called Gulf War Illness. We hypothesize that exposures to pyridostigmine bromide, permethrin, and/or DEET adversely affect the permeability of the blood-brain barrier allowing metals solubilized from inhaled desert dust particles to enter the brain. As a consequence, normal metal homeostasis is disrupted resulting in extensive oxidative damage and neurological dysfunction. In Year 1 of this 3year project we have established and characterized the human cell lines that comprise the blood brain barrier. In addition, toxicity assessments of pyridostigmine bromide, permethrin, DEET, aluminum, iron, uranium, nickel, cobalt, copper, strontium, manganese, and zinc on these cell lines have been completed. In Year 2, we will assess the effect of these compounds on blood-brain barrier permeability and induction of oxidative damage and inflammation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1050521
Entities
People
- John F. Kalinich
Organizations
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine