How PCBs Promote Dendrite Growth, May Increase Autism Risk

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How PCBs Promote Dendrite Growth, May Increase Autism Risk

ScienceDaily (Apr. 25, 2012) --- New research from UC and

Washington State University shows that PCBs, or polychlorinated

biphenyls, launch a cellular chain of events that leads to an

overabundance of dendrites -- the filament-like projections that conduct

electrochemical signals between neurons -- and disrupts normal patterns

of neuronal connections in the brain.

" Dendrite growth and branching during early development is a finely

orchestrated process, and the presence of certain PCBs confuses the

conductor of that process, " said Pamela Lein, a developmental

neurobiologist and professor of molecular biosciences in the UC

School of Veterinary Medicine. " Impaired neuronal connectivity is a

common feature of a number of conditions, including autism spectrum

disorders. "

Reported April 24 in two related studies in the journal Environmental

Health Perspectives, the findings underscore the developing brain's

vulnerability to environmental exposures and demonstrate how PCBs could

add to autism risk....

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*Journal References*:

1. A. Wayman, Diptiman D. Bose, Dongren Yang, Adam Lesiak,

Bruun, Soren Impey, Ledoux, Isaac N. Pessah, Pamela J. Lein. **

2. *PCB 95 Modulates Calcium-Dependent Signaling Pathway Responsible

for Activity-Dependent Dendritic Growth*. //

3. /Environmental Health Perspectives/, 2012;

4. DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1104833 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1104833>

5.

6. A. Wayman, Dongren Yang, Diptiman D. Bose, Adam Lesiak,

Ledoux, A. Bruun, Isaac N. Pessah, Pamela J. Lein.

7. *PCB 95 Promotes Dendritic Growth via odine Receptor-Dependent

Mechanisms*. //

8. /Environmental Health Perspectives/, 2012;

9. DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1104832 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1104832>