Fig. 9

Effect of AhR activation on PTEN/Akt pathway in vitro and in vivo. a MCF-7 cells were treated with TCDD 10 nM and DMBA 5 μM for 72 h, thereafter the expression CYP1A1, PTEN, Akt, and p-Akt protein levels were determined by Western blot analysis using the enhanced chemiluminescence method and one of three representative experiments is shown. b Twenty virgin female Balb/C mice were injected IP with either corn oil (vehicle) or single dose of DMBA 30 mg/kg. Two months later, mammary gland tissues were collected and stained with antibody against PTEN and p-Akt for determination by IHC assay. c and d MCF-7 cells were treated for 72 h with TCDD 10 nM in the presence and absence of increasing concentrations of Akt pathway inhibitor, LY294002. Thereafter, cells were harvested, pelleted, and then incubated with DCV (10 μM) and the percentage of SP cells were then determined using LSRII® flow cytometer. The values represent mean ± SEM (n = 3). *; p < 0.05 compared to control, #; p < 0.05 compared to TCDD treatment