Xenobiotic Modulation of Human Mammary Epithelial Cell Gap junctional Intercellular Communication and Growth
Abstract
The incidence of breast cancer is increasing dramatically in the United States. Man-made environmental agents such as pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), phthalate esters, and dioxin have been implicated in this increase. Many xenobiotics such as DDT and PCBs have weak estrogenic activity and may enhance breast cancer formation by an estrogenic effect on breast epithelial cell growth. These agents also inhibit gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC). This effect may be involved in the ability of these agents to enhance growth and breast cancer formation. The studies outlined in this proposal will determine whether there is a link between xenobiotic inhibition of human mammary epithelial cell GJIC, growth, and estrogenicity. These studies are highly relevant to the prevention of breast cancer. An understanding of the relationship between xenobiotic inhibition of GJIC, estrogenic activity, and the enhancement of growth in human breast epithelial cells will lead to more widely acceptable, mechanism-based arguments that xenobiotics are involved in the etiology of human breast cancer. This should lead to more focused regulatory efforts to reduce exposure to these agents.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA371281
Entities
People
- Randall J. Ruch
Organizations
- University of Toledo Medical Center