AHR Activation Affects Enteric Neuronal Survival by Inducing Apoptosis

2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a persistent organic pollutant and a potent activator of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a ligand-dependent transcription factor. This study sought to understand the effects of TCDD toxicity via AHR activation in the enteric nervous system (ENS) in mice and immorto fetal enteric neuronal (IM-FEN) cells. Results indicate that AHR signaling within the ENS negatively impacts on the gastrointestinal pathophysiology caused by TCDD.