Title: Application of the CALUX bioassay system for the detection of dioxin-like chemicals (Ah receptor ligands) in whole serum samples and in extracts from commercial and consumer products

Auteur(s): Denison MS ; Rogers WJ ; Fair M ; Ziccardi M ; Clark G ; Murg AJ ; Brouwer A ;  ; 

Year: 1996

Journal: Organohalogen Compounds

Subject(s): Ah receptor ; bioassay ; CALUX ; 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin ; TCDD ; Luciferase ; gene expression ; identification ;  ; 

Summary: Halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (HAHs), such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), are a diverse group of widespread and persistent environmental contaminants which produce a ,vide variety of species- and tissue-specific toxic and biological effects, many of which are mediated by the Ah receptor (AhR). Using a recently developed recombinant cell line which responds to TCDD and related chemicals with the AhR-dependent induction of firefly luciferase. we have developed a chemical-activated luciferase gene expression (CALUX) cell bioassay system for the detection of TCDD-like chemicals. We have utilized this bioassay as a screening tool not only to determine the widespread nature of these chemicals in industrial, commercial, consumer and environmental samples, but also for the detection of TCDD-like chemicals in who1e serum samples. Here we report the identification of CALUX-positive compounds present in DMSO extracts from a wide variety of commercial and consumer plastic, rubber and paper products and we have now optimized the bioassay system or detection of TCDD in small (25-50µl) aliquots of whole serum. Although the identity of the specific chemical(s) responsible for the positive CALUX signals currently remain to he determined as well as their toxicological and biological impact, our data demonstrate the widespread distribution of chemicals in everyday products that can specifically activate gene expression in an AhR-dependent manner. In addition, the availability of a rapid and small volume serum bioassay for TCDD-like chemicals provides an avenue for screening of samples were limited blood volumes are available (e.g. endangered species) as well as large scale screening of populations for epidemiological studies.