Effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin on the extracellular matrix of the thymus in juvenile marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

We demonstrated changes of thymic ECM in marmosets following low single TCDD doses. Combined with altered integrin expression and enhanced TGF-β1 stimulation our findings suggest a modified interplay between thymic epithelium and thymocytes. The extracellular matrix may play a more central role in mediating adverse effects of TCDD in organs than yet acknowledged.