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Polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans
Citation:
Kodavanti, P., M. Valdez, J. Yang, AND M. Curras-Collazo. Polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans. Chapter 51, Ramesh Gupta (ed.), Veterinary Toxicology: Basic and Clinical Principles (Third Edition). Academic Press Incorporated, Orlando, FL, , 675-690, (2018).
Impact/Purpose:
This book chapter provides information on the sources, environmental fate, exposure, toxicokinetics, adverse effects, and mechanism of action related to polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated biphenyls polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, and polychlorinated dibenzofurans with particular emphasis on animal studies.
Description:
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) belong to a group of compounds that are structurally related and are biologically and environmentally persistent. These chemicals can bioaccumulate and biomagnify in the food chain. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to a broad spectrum of effects. Fetal and early developmental exposures are particularly sensitive, and can have different outcomes from adult exposure. Latent effects of early exposures include, but are not limited to, depressed circulating thyroid hormone levels and abnormal thyroid cytology; developmental effects of the heart, palate and kidney; delayed cognitive development; altered sensory and motor abilities; and reproductive impairment and compromised neuronal function. Although Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) activation has been attributed to the adverse effects of several dioxin-like coplanar compounds, some PCBs that are non-coplanar in nature seem to exert their toxic effects through different mechanisms including calcium/protein kinase C signaling, oxidative stress, thyroid hormone perturbations, and neurotransmitter imbalance. The most significant problem by these compounds involved in accidental poisoning via food supply or consumption of contaminated food. Additionally, there are areas of the environment that are heavily contaminated by these chemicals because of past industrial activities. Animals and humans residing in or near contaminated locations certainly are at risk of serious health effects. Efforts must continue to reduce exposure to protect wildlife, veterinary animals, and humans. The best way to accomplish this is to modernize technological processes to prevent the release of these chemicals into the environment.
