Increased hepatic Igf2 gene expression involves C/EBPβ in TCDD-induced teratogenesis in rats

► Fetal death, fetal growth restriction and fetal malformation were observed in TCDD-exposed rats. ► TCDD stimulated the expression of Igf2 in both fetal liver and BRL-3A cells. ► We identified a C/EBPβ responsive element on the Igf2 P3-promoter. ► TCDD may induce Igf2 gene expression through the transactivation of C/EBPβ. ► This pathway may be linked to the developmental effects of TCDD in rats.