Phosphatidylcholine metabolism in lung microsomes and lung surfactant of rats exposed intratracheally to coal fly ash

The effect of intratracheal administration of fly ash has been studied on lung microsomal and lung surfactant phosphatidylcholine (PC) metabolism in rats using [methyl-14C]choline and [methyl-14C]methionine. Fly-ash administration significantly increased total phospholipids, PC, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and phosphatidylglycerol (PG) of lung surfactant. Fly-ash administration stimulated the formation of lung microsomal PC (as measured by the incorporation of labeled precursors) both by the cytidine 5'-diphosphate (CDP)-choline pathway and by the N-methylation pathway, but this stimulation was fourfold higher in the latter case and only twofold higher in the former as compared to the control. Likewise, the secretion of PC formed by the N-methylation pathway was sixfold higher as compared to the control whereas secretion of PC formed by the CDP-choline pathway was only threefold higher as compared to the control. Fly-ash administration further increased total saturation and decreased unsaturation in PC, PE, and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) of lung and in PC, PE, LPC, and PG of lung surfactant as compared to the controls.     

Conversion of coal fly ash into nanozeolite Na-X by applying ultrasound assisted hydrothermal and fusion-hydrothermal alkaline activation

This research is emphasized on the synthesis of micro-mesoporous nanozeolite Na-X from coal fly ash wastes (CFA) by ultrasound assisted hydrothermal and double stage fusion-hydrothermal alkaline activation. The products from CFA zeolitization were studied with respect to their morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), chemical and phase composition by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Their thermal properties were investigated by thermogravimetry (TG), derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and surface characteristics by nitrogen adsorption. The effects of the ultrasound agitation and additives on the zeolitization process were studied. Sonicated CFA Na-X zeolites possess nanocrystalline morphology and mixed micro-mesoporous structures with higher external specific surface area as compared to microcrystalline zeolite Na-X prepared by magnetic stirring. CFA nanozeolites of Na-X type are expected to behave excellent adsorption potential and catalytic activity due to the enlarged surface and fine morphology with uniformly distributed particles of iron oxides transferred from the raw material.     

Fetal translocation and metabolism of PAH obtained from coal fly ash given intratracheally to pregnant rats

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were extracted from coal fly ash collected from the electrostatic precipitator of a thermal power plant. The PAH extract was given intratracheally daily to pregnant rats (2 mg/100 g body weight) on d 18 and 19 of gestation. In addition on d 19 of gestation rats were also given [3H]benzo[a]pyrene intratracheally. Rats were sacrificed on d 20 of gestation, and the distribution of [3H]benzo[a]pyrene radioactivity and PAH of coal fly ash was studied in maternal lung, liver, and placenta, as well as in the liver and lung of the fetus. The radioactivity of intratracheally given benzo[a]pyrene was found in liver (68%), placenta (4%), fetal lung (1.9%), and fetal liver (1.4%) of maternal lung. Intratracheally administered PAH of coal fly ash were translocated to maternal liver and placenta, as well as to the liver and lung of the fetus. PAH of coal fly ash were also metabolized to several minor and major metabolites by maternal lung, liver, and placenta, as well as by the maternal fetal liver and lung. Some of the PAH metabolites in lung and liver were common; however, the major metabolite of liver, M-16, was different from the major metabolite M-16 of lung. The major PAH metabolite of placenta, M-5, and fetal liver, F-12, were common PAH metabolites. M-2 and M-6 of the placenta and F-5 and F-10 of the fetal lung were also common.     

Assessment of coal fly ash char as a substituting material of graphite with electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction

The search for functional and economical electrocatalysts derived from abundant materials is essential to enable the mass implementation of renewable energy conversion systems, such as regenerative fuel cells.Herein, char recovering from coal combustion fly ashes using simple concentration methods, such as sieving, gravimetry, impaction, elutriation, magnetic separation and demineralization, is proposed as electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), allowing to maximize the coal value chain. The ORR electrocatalytic activity of the different materials obtained after each concentration step was tested and compared with that of demineralized char concentrates and natural graphite; their potentiality to be used as substitute of natural graphite was evaluated. All the materials showed ORR electrocatalytic activity, with selectivity for the indirect two-electron pathway. The char concentrated after elutriation and magnetic separation and the demineralized sample exhibited the most promising performances (onset potential (E_onset) and diffusion-limiting current density (j_L) values between 0.76 and 0.80 V vs. RHE and ?2.04 and ?2.54 mA cm^?2, respectively), with good methanol tolerance and long-term electrochemical stability (current retentions of 75–80% after ≈17 h of continuous activity). Very importantly, the results of this work showed that the prepared coal-derived materials present similar or even better ORR electrocatalytic activity than natural graphite (E_onset = 0.67 V vs. RHE, j_L = ?1.10 mA cm^?2, current retention of 65% after ≈17 h) and, thus, can be able to replace it in similar energy-related applications, which can be of a great importance in terms of circular economy and environmental sustainability in a near future.     

Acute pulmonary and systemic effects of inhaled coal fly ash in rats: comparison to ambient environmental particles.

Although primary particle emissions of ash from coal-fired power plants are well controlled, coal fly ash (CFA) can still remain a significant fraction of the overall particle exposure for some plant workers and highly impacted communities. The effect of CFA on pulmonary and systemic inflammation and injury was measured in male Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to filtered air or CFA for 4 h/day for 3 days. The average concentration of CFA particulate matter less than 2.5 microm (PM(2.5)) was 1400 microg/m(3), of which 600 microg/m(3) was PM(1). Animals were examined 18 and 36 h postexposure. Chemical analysis of CFA detected silicon, calcium, aluminum, and iron as major components. Total number of neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) following exposure to CFA was significantly increased along with significantly elevated blood neutrophils. Exposure to CFA caused slight increases in macrophage inflammatory protein-2, and marked increases in transferrin in BALF. Interleukin-1beta and total antioxidant potential in lung tissues were also increased in rats exposed to CFA. Histological examination of lung tissue demonstrated focal alveolar septal thickening and increased cellularity in select alveoli immediately beyond terminal bronchioles. These responses are consistent with the ability of CFA to induce mild neutrophilic inflammation in the lung and blood following short-term exposure at levels that could be occupationally relevant. However, when comparing the effects of CFA with those of concentrated ambient particles, CFA does not appear to have greater potency to cause pulmonary alterations. This study furthers our understanding of possible mechanisms by which specific sources of particulate air pollution affect human health.     

Subacute inhalation toxicity assessment of fly ash from industrial waste incinerators

Fly ash from industrial waste incinerators has been a significant concern because of their constituent toxic heavy metals and organic compounds. The objective of this study was to identify the subacute inhalation toxicity of fly ash from industrial waste incinerators, using whole body inhalation exposure chambers. Male and female groups of Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to fly ash by inhalation of concentrations of 0, 50, 100, 200?mg/m³, for 6?h/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks. There was no significant difference in body weight, and relative organ weight to body weight, between the exposure groups and the control group. Hematological examinations revealed a significant increase of monocyte counts in fly ash exposed rats and brown pigment laden macrophage was found in the lungs of rats exposed to high concentration of fly ash. A decrease of blood glucose levels and an increase in glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase activity were observed in fly ash treated rats. There was also a significant increase of lactate dehydrogenase levels in rat blood exposed fly ash. A significant dose-dependent increase of DNA damage was found in lymphocytes, spleen, bronchoalveolar lavage, liver, lung, and thymus of rats exposed to fly ash. In addition, the level of lipid peroxidation was increased in the plasma of rats exposed to a high concentration of fly ash. These results suggest that inhalation of fly ash from industrial waste incinerators can induce histopathologic, hematological, and serum biochemical changes and oxidative damage.     

Physical,mechanical and thermal properties of metakaolin-fly ash geopolymers

Due to the large coal fly ash (FA) production and its obvious environmental impact, alternative uses of this by-product must be researched. A considerable effort is being made worldwide on research concerning the reuse of FA as a source of alternative raw materials to produce new binder materials. One of the most promising building materials are geopolymers or alkali-activated materials (AAM). In this study, FA (25–75 wt %) was used to evaluate the potential of using this waste as a source of aluminosilicates for the synthesis of geopolymers to replace metakaolin (MK) as precursor. MK and FA geopolymers were also synthesized as a control. Sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate were used as alkaline-activator mix (Na₂SiO₃/NaOH ratio: 0.92). The geopolymers synthesized were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The results indicate that control geopolymers, MK and FA geopolymers have similar mechanical and thermal properties. However, the MK-FA blended geopolymers have slightly lower compressive strengths and lower thermal conductivity. The decrease in the properties of the FA and MK-FA blended geopolymers may be due to the high solid/liquid ratio used, since the spherical particles of the FA require less liquid due to their higher workability. However, the obtained geopolymers can be a satisfactory solution for the recovery of waste that results in sustainable construction materials that meet the standard to be used for loadbearing concrete masonry units with insulating properties superior to Portland cement approaching the principles of circular economy.     

Induction of pulmonary drug metabolizing enzymes by coal fly ash in rats

The effect of intratracheal administration of fly ash, benzene extracted fly ash residue and benzene extract of fly ash has been studied on the activity of pulmonary mixed function oxidase. Fly ash, its benzene extract and benzene extracted residue significantly increased the levels of cytochrome P-450, cytochrome b5 and the activities of NADPH-cytochrome c reductase, NADH cytochrome b5 reductase, aminopyrine N-demethylase and glutathione S-transferase in a dose dependent manner. Phenobarbital or 3-methylcholanthrene treatment along with administration of fly ash, its benzene extracted residue and benzene extract of fly ash showed a synergistic effect on the activity of mixed function oxidase. The observed effects were due to chemical causes, i.e. organic and inorganic fractions of fly ash and not, due to its particulate nature. This was shown by the administration of glass beads which caused no alteration in the activity of pulmonary mixed function oxidase.     

Placental transfer of metals of coal fly ash into various fetal organs of rat

Fly ash (100 mg/kg body weight) was administered intratracheally to 14-day pregnant rats for 6 consecutive days. On day 20 of gestation the translocation of metals present in the fly ash to various maternal and fetal organs was studied. Fly ash administration to pregnant mothers retarded the growth of fetal heart and kidney as determined by their weights. Fly ash instillation increased organ levels of nearly all the metals studied in both mother and fetus. Most of the metals present in coal fly ash were transferred in significant amounts through placenta to several fetal organs. However, the pattern of their distribution into various fetal organs was different for different metals.     

Residual oil fly ash increases the susceptibility to infection and severely damages the lungs after pulmonary challenge with a bacterial pathogen.

Inhalation of residual oil fly ash (ROFA), a component of ambient particulate matter, has been shown to increase pulmonary morbidity and impair lung defense mechanisms in exposed workers. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of ROFA preexposure on lung defense and injury after pulmonary challenge with a bacterial pathogen. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were dosed intratracheally at day 0 with saline (control) or ROFA (0.2 or 1 mg/100 g body weight). Three days later, a low (5 x 10(3)) or high (5 x 10(5)) dose of Listeria monocytogenes was instilled intratracheally into the ROFA- and saline-treated rats. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed on the right lungs at days 6, 8, and 10. The recovered cells were differentiated, and chemiluminescence (CL) and nitric oxide (NO) production, two indices of alveolar macrophage (AM) function, were measured. At the same time points, the left lung and spleen were removed, homogenized, and cultured, and colony-forming units were counted after an overnight incubation. Exposure to ROFA and the high dose of L. monocytogenes led to marked lung injury and inflammation as well as to an increase in mortality, compared with rats treated with saline and the high dose of L. monocytogenes. Preexposure to ROFA significantly enhanced injury and delayed the pulmonary clearance of L. monocytogenes at both bacterial doses when compared to the saline-treated control rats. ROFA had no effect on AM CL but caused a significant suppression of AM NO production, as compared to the saline control rats. We have demonstrated that acute exposure to ROFA slowed the pulmonary clearance of L. monocytogenes. The suppression in AM NO production by ROFA pretreatment likely plays an important role. These results suggest that pulmonary exposure to ROFA may alter AM function and lead to increased susceptibility to lung infection in exposed populations.     

Oil fly ash-induced elevation of plasma fibrinogen levels in rats.

Particulate matter air pollution (PM) has been associated with morbidity and mortality from ischemic heart disease and stroke in humans. It has been hypothesized that alveolar inflammation, resulting from exposure to PM, may induce a state of blood hypercoagulability, triggering cardiovascular events in susceptible individuals. Previous studies in our laboratory have demonstrated acute lung injury with alveolar inflammation in rats following exposure to residual oil fly ash (ROFA), an emission source particulate. In addition, increased mortality has been documented following exposure to ROFA in rats with preexistent cardiopulmonary disease. ROFA's toxicity derives from its soluble metal content, which appears also to drive the toxicity of ambient PM. The present study was conducted to test the hypothesis that exposure of rats to a toxic PM, like ROFA, would adversely alter hemostatic parameters and cardiovascular risk factors thought to be involved in human epidemiologic findings. Sixty-day-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed by intratracheal instillation (IT) to varying doses (0.3, 1. 7, or 8.3 mg/kg) of ROFA, 8.3 mg/kg Mt. Saint Helen's volcanic ash (MSH, control particle), or 0.3 ml saline (SAL, control). At 24 h post-IT, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), plasma fibrinogen (PF), plasma viscosity (PV), and complete blood count (CBC) were performed on venous blood samples. No differences from control were detected in APTT and PT in ROFA-exposed rats; however, ROFA exposure did result in elevated PF, at 8.3 mg/kg only. In addition, PV values were elevated in both ROFA and MSH-exposed rats relative to SAL-control rats, but not significantly. Although no changes were detected in APTT and PT, alteration of important hematologic parameters (notably fibrinogen) through PM induction of an inflammatory response may serve as biomarkers of cardiovascular risk in susceptible individuals.     

Electrocardiographic changes during exposure to residual oil fly ash (ROFA) particles in a rat model of myocardial infarction.

Epidemiological studies have reported a positive association of short-term increases in ambient particulate matter (PM) with daily mortality and hospital admissions for cardiovascular disease. Although patients with cardiopulmonary disease appear to be most at risk, particulate-related cardiac effects following myocardial infarction (MI) have not been examined. To improve understanding of mechanisms, we developed and tested a model for investigating the effects of inhaled PM on arrhythmias and heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of autonomic nervous system activity, in rats with acute MI. Left-ventricular MI was induced in 31 Sprague-Dawley rats by thermocoagulation of the left coronary artery; 32 additional rats served as sham-operated controls. Diazepam-sedated rats were exposed (1 h) to residual oil fly ash (ROFA), carbon black, or room air at 12-18 h after surgery. Each exposure was immediately preceded and followed by a 1-h exposure to room air (baseline and recovery periods, respectively). Lead-II electrocardiograms were recorded. In the MI group, 41% of rats exhibited one or more premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) during the baseline period. Exposure to ROFA, but not to carbon black or room air, increased arrhythmia frequency in animals with preexisting PVCs. Furthermore, MI rats exposed to ROFA, but not to carbon black or room air, decreased HRV. There was no difference in arrhythmia frequency or HRV among sham-operated animals. These results underscore the usefulness of this model for elucidating the physiologic mechanisms of pollution-induced cardiovascular arrhythmias and contribute to defining the specific constituents of ambient particles responsible for arrhythmias.     

Induction of pulmonary and hepatic cytochrome P-450 species by coal fly ash inhalation in rats

The effect of fly ash inhalation on xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes and heme metabolism in lung and liver has been studied in rats. Fly ash inhalation induced pulmonary and hepatic cytochrome P-450 content, aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase and glutathione S-transferase activity. Induction of cytochrome P-450 was accompanied by induction of delta-amino levulinic acid synthetase in lung and inhibition of heme oxygenase in both lung and liver. Fly ash inhalation induced those species of cytochrome P-450 which closely resembled cytochrome P-448 in spectral properties and electrophoretic mobility.     

Residual oil fly ash inhalation in guinea pigs: influence of absorbate and glutathione depletion.

Inhaled urban particulate matter (PM) often contains metals that appear to contribute to its toxicity. These particles first make contact with a thin layer of epithelial lining fluid in the respiratory tract. Antioxidants present in this fluid and in cells might be important susceptibility factors in PM toxicity. We investigated the role of ascorbic acid (C) and glutathione (GSH) as determinants of susceptibility to inhaled residual oil fly ash (ROFA) in guinea pigs (male, Hartley). Guinea pigs were divided into four groups, +C+GSH, +C-GSH, -C+GSH, and -C-GSH, and exposed to clean air or ROFA (< 2.5 micron diameter, 19--25 mg/m(3) nose-only for 2.0 h). C and/or GSH were lowered by either feeding C-depleted diet (1 microg C/kg diet, 2 weeks) and/or by ip injection of a mixture of buthionine-S,R-sulfoximine (2.7 mmol/kg body weight) and diethylmaleate (1.2 mmol/kg, 2 h prior). Nasal lavage (NL) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and cells were examined at 0 h and 24 h postexposure to ROFA. The C-deficient diet lowered C concentrations in BAL fluid and cells and in NL fluid by 90%, and the GSH-depletion regimen lowered both GSH and C in the BAL fluid and cells by 50%. ROFA deposition was calculated at time 0 from lung Ni levels to be 46 microg/g wet lung. In unexposed animals, the combined deficiency of C and GSH modified the cellular composition of cells recovered in lavage fluid, i.e., the increased number of eosinophils and macrophages in BAL fluid. ROFA inhalation increased lung injury in the -C-GSH group only (evidenced by increased BAL protein, LDH and neutrophils, and decreased BAL macrophages). ROFA exposure decreased C in BAL and NL at 0 h, and increased BAL C and GSH (2- to 4-fold above normal) at 24 h in nondepleted guinea pigs, but had no effect on C and GSH in depleted guinea pigs. Combined deficiency of C and GSH resulted in the highest macrophage and eosinophil counts of any group. GSH depletion was associated with increased BAL protein and LDH, increased numbers of BAL macrophages and eosinophils, and decreased rectal body temperatures. We conclude that combined deficiency of C and GSH increased susceptibility to inhaled ROFA; caused unusual BAL cellular changes; resulted in lower antioxidant concentrations in BAL than were observed with single deficiencies. Antioxidant deficiency may explain increased susceptibility to PM in elderly or diseased populations and may have important implications for extrapolating animal toxicity data to humans.     

Pathologic changes induced by coal-fired fly ash in hamster tracheal grafts

The toxicity of fly ash from a coal-fired power plant for respiratory tract epithelium was studied in heterotropic tracheal grafts. Hamster tracheal grafts were continuously exposed to beeswax-cholesterol pellets containing 100, 1000 and 5000 μg fly ash and evaluated at 1, 2, 4 and 14–15 months of exposure. Histopathologic effects and the autoradiographic pattern of [³H]thymidine incorporation were determined. In all concentrations of fly ash, an early mild submucosal inflammatory response was seen. Morphologic response of the tracheal epithelium was characterized by hyperplasia followed by squamous metaplasia and atrophic lesions. Although a rare papillomatous structure with cellular atypia was seen in grafts receiving 1000 μg fly ash, no carcinomas appeared during the 15-month observation period. Varying degrees of submucosal toxicity were also observed during this time period. Autoradiographic studies showed a significant increase in [³H]thymidine incorporation in grafts receiving fly ash treatment.     

Antibody forming cell response to nickel and nickel-coated fly ash in rats.

The potential of nickel as nickel chloride, native fly ash and Ni-coated fly ash to alter pulmonary and systemic immune response was evaluated upon intratracheal (I/T) exposure of rats. The animals were sensitised with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) through I/T and intraperitoneal (I/P) routes. Nickel exposure resulted in a decrease in the number of antibody forming cells (AFC) in lung associated lymph nodes (LALN) and spleen. In rats exposed to native fly ash there was a reduction in the number of AFC in LALN but not in spleen. The results did not demonstrate any significant difference in the immunosuppression of fly ash and Ni-coated fly ash exposed rats. The decrease in AFC formation in Ni-coated fly ash exposed animals was of a lesser magnitude than in rats exposed to Ni-alone.     

Inhibition of beta-defensin gene expression in airway epithelial cells by low doses of residual oil fly ash is mediated by vanadium.

Poor ambient air quality is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, including respiratory infections. However, its effects on various host-defense mechanisms are poorly understood. This study utilized an in vitro model to study the effect of particulate matter (PM(2.5)) on one antimicrobial mechanism of host defense in the airway, beta-defensin-2 and its bovine homologue, tracheal antimicrobial peptide (TAP) induction in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and IL-1beta. Our model utilized cultured primary bovine tracheal epithelial (BTE) cells and the human alveolar type II epithelial cell line, A549, treated with 0-20 microg/cm(2) residual oil fly ash (ROFA) for 6 h. The cells were then washed and stimulated for 18 h with 100 ng/ml LPS or for 6 h with 100 ng/ml IL-1beta. ROFA inhibited the LPS-induced increase in TAP mRNA and protein without inducing significant cytotoxicity. As little as 2.5 microg/cm(2) of ROFA inhibited LPS-induced TAP gene expression by 30%. The inhibitory activity was associated with the soluble fraction and not the washed particle. The activity in the leachate was attributed to vanadium, but not nickel or iron. SiO(2) and TiO(2) were utilized as controls and did not inhibit LPS induction of TAP gene expression in BTE. ROFA also inhibited the increase of IL-1beta-induced human beta-defensin-2, a homologue of TAP, in A549 cells. The results show that ROFA, V(2)O(5), and VOSO(4) inhibit the ability of airway epithelial cells to respond to inflammatory stimuli at low, physiologically relevant doses and suggest that exposure to these agents could result in an impairment of defense against airborne pathogens.     

Microbial stimulation by Mycoplasma fermentans synergistically amplifies IL-6 release by human lung fibroblasts in response to residual oil fly ash (ROFA) and nickel.

Mycoplasma (MP), such as the species M. fermentans, possess remarkable immunoregulatory properties and can potentially establish chronic latent infections with little signs of disease. Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) is a complex and diverse component of air pollution associated with adverse health effects. We hypothesized that MP modulate the cellular responses induced by chemical stresses such as residual oil fly ash (ROFA), a type of PM rich in transition metals. We assessed the release of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a prototypic immune-modulating cytokine, in response to PM from different sources in human lung fibroblasts (HLF) deliberately infected with M. fermentans. We found that M. fermentans and ROFA together synergistically stimulated production of IL-6 compared to either stimuli alone. Compared to several other PM, ROFA appeared most able to potentiate IL-6 release. The potentiating effect of live MP infection could be mimicked by M. fermentans-derived macrophage-activating lipopeptide-2 (MALP-2), a known Toll-like receptor-2 agonist. The aqueous fraction of ROFA also contained potent IL-6 inducing activity in concert with MALP-2, and exposure to several defined metal salts indicated that Ni and, to a lesser extent V, (but not Cu) could synergistically act with MALP-2 to induce IL-6. These data indicate that microorganisms like MP can interact with environmental stimuli such as PM-derived metals to synergistically activate signaling pathways that control lung cell cytokine production and, thus, can potentially modulate adverse health effects of PM exposure.     

Effect of thyroid hormones on liver microsomal enzyme induction in rats exposed to 2,3,7,8,-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

The effect of thyroidectomy and thyroid hormone replacement therapy on liver microsomal enzyme induction was studied in 2,3,7,8,-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-treated rats (100 micrograms/kg). Treatment of non-thyroidectomized rats with TCDD had no effect on the concentration of liver microsomal cytochrome b5. In contrast, cytochrome b5 content was increased by TCDD treatment of thyroidectomized rats, regardless of replacement therapy with either T3 or T4. TCDD treatment increased the concentration of cytochrome P-450 (2-3-fold) and the activities of benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase (4-7-fold), ethoxyresorufin O-de-ethylase (50-70-fold) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (5-7-fold) in non-thyroidectomized and thyroidectomized as well as thyroidectomized thyroid hormone treated rats; indicating the induction of these liver microsomal enzyme activities is independent of thyroid status. Because thyroid status alters the toxicity of TCDD but does not alter the ability of TCDD to induce microsomal enzymes, it appears that TCDD toxicity may not be directly related to microsomal enzyme induction.