Center For Environmental Medicine.

Abstract : The Center tor Environmental Medicine has been established at the Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, Ohio with Dr Michael A. Pereira, PhD, as Director. The Center consists of two division, Molecular Toxicology Division and Respiratory Toxicology Division. The Molecular Toxicology Division has initiated studies to better understand the toxicity and carcinogenic activity of compounds of interest to the U.S. Air Force. These studies have emphasized trichioroethylene, a major contaminant around Air Force bases. Two major metabolites of trichioroethylene, dichloroacetic acid and trichloroacetic acid were also evaluated, since they are believed to be its active metabolites and are used in the hazard and risk assessment of trichloroethylene by the U.S. Air Force and EPA. A letter of agreement with Wright-Patterson (WPAFB) was formalized to allow their collaboratiion. This has allowed tissue specimens to be sent between WPAFB and the Medical College of Ohio including the immunohistochemical evaluation by an Air Force pathologist. Two Air Force personnel were trained at the Medical College of Ohio in the technique of measuring trichloroethylene increase expression of mRNA for proto-oncogenes and a graduate student of Medical College spent the summer of 1995, at WPAFB being trained by Chair pathologist in immunohistochemical techniques.