Myocardial SERCA2 Protects Against Cardiac Damage and Dysfunction Caused by Inhaled Bromine.

Myocardial sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2 (SERCA2) activity is critical for heart function. We have demonstrated that inhaled halogen (chlorine or bromine) gases inactivate SERCA2, impair calcium homeostasis, increase proteolysis, and damage the myocardium ultimately leading to cardiac dysfunction. To further elucidate the mechanistic role of SERCA2 in halogen-induced myocardial damage, we used bromine-exposed cardiac-specific SERCA2 knockout (KO) mice [tamoxifen-administered SERCA2 ( Tg (MHC-MerCreMer) mice] and compared them to the oil-administered controls.

Pulmonary pathogenesis in a murine model of inhaled arsenical exposure.

Arsenic trioxide (ATO), an inorganic arsenical, is a toxic environmental contaminant. It is also a widely used chemical with industrial and medicinal uses. Significant public health risk exists from its intentional or accidental exposure.

Sex differences in cardiopulmonary effects of acute bromine exposure.

Accidental occupational bromine (Br>) exposures are common, leading to significant morbidity and mortality; however, the specific effects of Br> inhalation in female victims are unclear. Our studies demonstrated that acute high-concentration Br> inhalation is fatal, and cardiac injury and dysfunction play an important role in Br> toxicity in males. In this study, we exposed female Sprague Dawley rats, age-matched to those males from previously studied, to 600 ppm Br> for 45 min and assessed their survival, cardiopulmonary injury and cardiac function after exposure.

Behavioral and Neuronal Effects of Inhaled Bromine Gas: Oxidative Brain Stem Damage.

The risk of accidental bromine (Br) exposure to the public has increased due to its enhanced industrial use. Inhaled Br damages the lungs and the heart; however, adverse effects on the brain are unknown. In this study, we examined the neurological effects of inhaled Br in Sprague Dawley rats.

Chronic cardiac structural damage, diastolic and systolic dysfunction following acute myocardial injury due to bromine exposure in rats.

Accidental bromine spills are common and its large industrial stores risk potential terrorist attacks. The mechanisms of bromine toxicity and effective therapeutic strategies are unknown. Our studies demonstrate that inhaled bromine causes deleterious cardiac manifestations.

Circulating and tissue biomarkers as predictors of bromine gas inhalation.

The threat from deliberate or accidental exposure to halogen gases is increasing, as is their industrial applications and use as chemical warfare agents. Biomarkers that can identify halogen exposure, diagnose victims of exposure or predict injury severity, and enable appropriate treatment are lacking. We conducted these studies to determine and validate biomarkers of bromine (Br ) toxicity and correlate the symptoms and the extent of cardiopulmonary injuries.