AhR-dependent 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin toxicity in human neuronal cell line SHSY5Y.

2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a xenobiotic agent with high persistency that induces neurotoxic effects altering neurodevelopment and behavior. The molecular mechanisms and the signaling pathways involved in TCDD-mediated neurotoxicity, together with the search of its molecular targets in neurons are under intense study. We have previously shown that high nanomolar concentrations of TCDD for incubation times of minutes induce apoptosis in SHSY5Y human neuroblastoma cells by the disruption of calcium homeostasis, affecting membrane structural integrity.