Email: trombetl@stjohns.edu
Work in my laboratory is concerned with the effects of the dithiocarbamates and metals on the induction of stress proteins and alterations in cellular antioxidant defense mechanisms. Due to their range of action the dithiocarbamates have widespread application in industry, medicine, and agriculture. These compounds have been reported to produce neuropathological changes in the areas of the hippocampus and Purkinje cells of the cerebellum. They have been shown to cause CNS depressant effects characterized by ataxia, sedation, depression of locomotor activity and disruption lof active and passive avoidance. By the use of electron microscopy, molecular biology and biochemical techniques my lab studies the effects of metal/thiocarbamate complexes on the neuronal and astrocytic cytoskeleton. In addition, we examine this disruption in relation cellular protective mechanisms.
Recent publications
Wilson, A. and L.D. Trombetta. The protective effects of zinc on diethyldithiocarbamate cytotoxicity on rat astrocytes in vitro. Tox Let. 105:129-140. 1999.
McManus M.F. and L.D. Trombetta. The effects of diethydithiocarbamate (DDC) on the astrocytic cytoskeleton. Scanning Microscopy, 9:257-270. 1995.
Delmaestro E. and L.D. Trombetta. The effects fo disulfiram on the hippocampus and cerebellum of the rat brain: astucy on oxidative stress. Tox. Let. 76:235-243. 1995.