Pulmonary Response to Arsenic in Susceptible Populations: Alterations Following In Utero and Early Postnatal Exposure

Figure shows Sprouty 2 immuno-staining from 18 day embryonic lung taken from control animals. (Two upper images) Staining appears to be most prominent in cells surrounding branches of the pulmonary arteries (arrows). Staining for Sprouty 2 in arsenic treated animals (two lower images) shows a decreased intensity of the staining, indicating a decrease in the levels of the protein in these treated animals.

Background
While arsenic has long been recognized as a human carcinogen, the non-cancerous health effects of arsenic ingestion in the drinking water can also lead to significant disease, including cardiovascular disease, arteriosclerosis, diabetes and chronic pulmonary disease. The effects of in utero or early postnatal exposure on alterations in development, leading to non-cancerous health effects, have not been studied.

Goal
To evaluate the developmental effects of arsenic in the lung and the effect of folate on these developmental effects.

Objectives
1. Determine the dose response of arsenic-induced altered gene expression in fetal and neonatal lung.

2. Correlate altered expression with phenotype.

3. Assess effects of folic acid deficiency and supplementation on alteration of gene expression and phenotype induced by exposure to arsenic.

Contact
Clark Lantz
lantz@email.arizona.edu
(520) 626-6716