Preferential induction of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 in CCSP-positive cells.

Both benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) are potent ligands of aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhR). Although animal studies indicate that both compounds induce pathological changes in the peripheral lung, the specific cell type involved remains unclear. Clara cells, expressing Clara cell specific protein (CCSP) and abundant in cytochrome P450, are nonciliated bronchiolar epithelial cells in the peripheral lung.