Abstract
Cholesterol is a major component of all membranes. Lipid rafts, organized membrane domains rich in cholesterol, play important roles in the transduction of many signal transduction pathways including signaling pathways involved in morphogenesis. Cholesterol is also the precursor of steroid hormones. Cholesterol plays an important role during fetal development. Cholesterol plays a pivotal role in brain development. Inhibition of cholesterol synthesis, as a consequence of genetic syndromes or exposure to cholesterol inhibitors during gestation, is known to cause neurodevelopmental and teratogenic effects. Recent research demonstrated that cholesterol homeostasis in the brain can be affected by the modulation of ABC cholesterol transporter levels and activity. Altered cholesterol homeostasis through the upregulation of cholesterol transporters appears to be involved in the developmental effects of ethanol and retinoic acid. Any chemical that affects cholesterol homeostasis may therefore be regarded as a potential developmental neurotoxicant. © 2011
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology |
Publisher | Elsevier Inc. |
Pages | 855-862 |
Number of pages | 8 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780123820327 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2011 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics(all)