Neuronal Effects of Microbial Toxins

Project leader Kai Savolainen, Department of Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology

Topeliuksenkatu 41 aA, FIN-00250 Helsinki, Finland Researchers H. Stockmann

Completed by May 2002

Collaborating parties Finnish Research Programme on Environmental Health, Kuopio University

Objectives: Fungal growth in moisture problem houses often leads to exposure to microbes which produce microbial toxins. Besides the typical respiratory tract disorders, recent findings suggest that microbial toxins may cause serious effects in the central nervous system of animals and man. The objective of the study is to try to explore the mechanisms whereby the toxins affect neuronal cells.

Subjects: Neuroblastoma and glioblastoma cells.

Methods: Studying the effects of microbial toxins on oxidarive stress, transcription factors and cell viability (necrosis and apoptosis). Fluorescent probes and different gel separation methods.