SIGNAL-TRANSDUCTION IN ENVIRONMENTAL NEUROTOXICITY

Signal transduction is the process by which specific information is tr ansferred from the cell surface to the cytosol and ultimately to the n ucleus, leading to changes in gene expression. Since these chains of b iochemical and molecular steps control the normal function of each cel l, disruption of these processes would have a significant impact on ce ll physiology. Some of the major signal transduction pathways are brie fly reviewed. The interactions of four chemicals (lead, ethanol, polyc hlorinated biphenyls, and trimethyltin) with different cell signaling systems, particularly the phospholipid hydrolysis/protein kinase C pat hway, are discussed. The possible causal relationship of such cellular and molecular interactions with known signs and symptoms of neurotoxi city are highlighted.