Halogens are widely used, highly toxic chemicals that pose a potential threat to humans because of their abundance. Halogens such as bromine (Br_2) cause severe pulmonary and systemic injuries; however, the mechanisms of their toxicity are largely unknown. Here, we demonstrated that Br_2 and reactive brominated species produced in the lung and released in blood reach the heart and cause acute cardiac ultrastructural damage and dysfunction in rats. Br_2-induced cardiac damage was demonstrated by acute (3-24 h) increases in circulating troponin I, heart-type fatty acid-binding protein, and NH_2-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated acute (3-24 h) cardiac contraction band necrosis, disruption of z-disks, and mitochondrial swelling and disorganization. Echocardiography and hemodynamic analysis revealed left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic dysfunction at 7 days.
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