The Cytoskeleton: A Target for Toxic Agents

Description

This book is based on reviews and research presentations given at the 16th Rochester International Conference on Environmental Toxicity, entitled liThe Cytoskeleton: A Target for Toxic Agents," held on June 4, 5 and 6 in 1984. The conference provided an in-depth discussion of the effects a~d mechanism of action of some toxic agents on the cytoskeleton. Mamma"lian and other eukaryotic cells contain protein networks within the cytoplasm comprised of microfilaments, intermediate Hlaments and microtubules. These components of the cytoskeleton playa key role in cell shape, motility, intracellular organization and transport, and cell division. Furthermore, the cytoskeleton, via associations with the cell membrane, appears to function in intracellular communication and cellular responses to membrane events. Because of the complex functional roles of the cytoskeleton which vary with cell type, degree of differentiation, and cell cycle, its disruption may result in a variety of cellular changes. This expanding field in cell biology has already attracted the interest of toxicologists and environmental health scientists as a potentially fruitful area of research. Indeed, there is mounting evidence that certain toxic and chemotherapeutic compounds, as well as physical agents such as radiation and hydrostatic pressure, disrupt the normal structure and function of the cytoskeleton. This may be an important step in the overall expression of their action. It was, therefore, an opportune time to hold a conference to encourage the development of this area of toxicology and to suggest directions for future research. Front Matter....Pages I-XIV Structure and Function of the Cytoskeleton....Pages 3-21 The Cytoskeleton as a Target For Toxic Agents....Pages 25-34 Microtubules as Targets for Drug and Toxic Chemical Action: The Mechanisms of Action of Colchicine and Vinblastine....Pages 37-52 Taxol: A Probe for Studying the Structure and Function of Microtubules....Pages 53-65 Reorganization of Axonal Cytoskeleton Following β, β′-Iminodipropionitrile (IDPN) Intoxication....Pages 67-82 Molecular and Cellular Aspects of the Interaction of Benzimidazole Carbamate Pesticides with Microtubules....Pages 83-96 Disruption of Microtubules by Methylmercury....Pages 97-116 Primary and Secondary Changes in Axonal Transport in Neurofibrillary Disorders....Pages 119-127 Chemical Neurotoxins Accelerating Axonal Transport of Neurofilaments....Pages 129-142 The Effect of Some Dithiocarbamates, Disulfiram and 2,5-Hexanedione on the Cytoskeleton of Neuronal Cells in Vivo and in Vitro ....Pages 143-158 Neurofibrillary Degeneration: The Role of Aluminum....Pages 159-166 Pathogenetic Studies of the Neurofilamentous Neuropathies....Pages 167-174 Effects of Calcium on Structure and Function of the Human Red Blood Cell Membrane....Pages 177-186 Spectrin and the Mechanochemical Properties of the Erythrocyte Membrane....Pages 187-197 Effects of Local Anesthetics and pH Change on the Platelet “Cytoskeleton” and on Platelet Activation....Pages 199-211 Inhibition of Motility by Inactivated Myosin Heads....Pages 213-220 Intracellular Translocation of Inorganic Particles....Pages 221-227 Receptor Cycling in Pituitary Cells: Biological Consequences of Inhibition of Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis....Pages 229-242 Conference Summary....Pages 243-251 Perspectives....Pages 253-254 Back Matter....Pages 255-261