Staff Profile

Introduction

My research experience has been predominantly in medical toxicology with a specific interest in clinical neurotoxicology.  I  established a joint Medical Toxicology Research Centre with the Health Protection Agency in 2005 with a focus on biomarkers and toxic mechanisms, susceptibility factors and variability of toxic effects, and chronic and delayed health effects.  Subsequently, i received a grant of £6M in 2014 over 6 years from the NIHR for a HPRU in Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards.

• Haslam JD, Russell P, Hill S, Emmett SR, Blain PG. Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear mass casualty medicine: a review of lessons from the Salisbury and Amesbury Novichok nerve agent incidents. British Journal of Anaesthesia 2022, 128(2), e200-e205.
• Leitch AC, Ibrahim I, Abdelghany TM, Charlton A, Roper C, Vidler D, Palmer JM, Wilson C, Jones DE, Blain PG, Wright MC. The methylimidazolium ionic liquid M8OI is detectable in human sera and is subject to biliary excretion in perfused human liver. Toxicology 2021, 459, 152854.
• Young GR, Abdelghany TM, Leitch AC, Dunn MP, Blain PG, Lanyon C, Wright MC. Changes in the gut microbiota of mice orally exposed to methylimidazolium ionic liquids. PLoS ONE 2020, 15(3), 0229745.
• Emmett SR, Blain PG. Chemical terrorism. Medicine 2020, 48(3), 182-184.
• Thompson A, Dunn M, Jefferson R, Dissanayake K, Reed F, Gregson R, Greenhalgh S, Clutton RE, Blain PG, Thomas SHL, Eddleston M. Modest and variable efficacy of pre-exposure hydroxocobalamin and dicobalt edetate in a porcine model of acute cyanide salt poisoning. Clinical Toxicology 2020, 58(3), 190-200.
• Leitch AC, Abdelghany TM, Charlton A, Grigalyte J, Oakley F, Borthwick LA, Reed L, Knox A, Reilly WJ, Agius L, Blain PG, Wright MC. Renal injury and hepatic effects from the methylimidazolium ionic liquid M8OI in mouse. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 2020, 202, 110902.
• Leitch AC, Abdelghany TM, Probert PM, Dunn MP, Meyer SK, Palmer JM, Cooke MP, Blake LI, Morse K, Rosenmai AK, Oskarsson A, Bates L, Figueiredo RS, Ibrahim I, Wilson C, Abdelkader NF, Jones DE, Blain PG, Wright MC. The toxicity of the methylimidazolium ionic liquids, with a focus on M8OI and hepatic effects. Food and Chemical Toxicology 2020, 136, 111069.
• Heslop DJ, Blain PG. Threat potential of pharmaceutical based agents. Intelligence and National Security 2020, 35(4), 539-555.
• Meyer SK, Dunn M, Vidler DS, Porter A, Blain PG, Jowsey PA. Phosphorylation of MCPH1 isoforms during mitosis followed by isoform-specific degradation by APC/C-CDH1. The FASEB Journal 2019, 323(2), ePub ahead of Print.
• Keane PC, Hanson PS, Patterson L, Blain PG, Hepplewhite P, Khundakar AA, Judge SJ, Kahle PJ, LeBeau FEN, Morris CM. Trichloroethylene and its metabolite TaClo lead to degeneration of substantia nigra dopaminergic neurones: Effects in wild type and human A30P mutant α-synuclein mice . Neuroscience Letters 2019, 711, 134437.
• Khateri S, Balali-Mood M, Blain P, Williams F, Jowsey P, Soroush MR, Behravan E, Sadeghi M. DNA damage and repair proteins in cellular response to sulfur mustard in Iranian veterans more than two decades after exposure. Toxicology Letters 2018, 293, 67-72.
• Probert PM, Leitch AC, Dunn MP, Meyer SK, Palmer JM, Abdelghany TM, Lakey AF, Cooke MP, Talbot H, Wills C, McFarlane W, Blake LI, Rosenmai AK, Oskarsson A, Figueiredo R, Wilson C, Kass GE, Jones DE, Blain PG, Wright MC. Identification of a xenobiotic as a potential environmental trigger in primary biliary cholangitis. Journal of Hepatology 2018, 69(5), 1123-1135.
• Nisar R, Hanson PS, Keane PC, He L, Taylor R, Blain PG, Morris CM. Manganese-Containing Thiocarbamates Cause Free Radical Production and Caspase-Independent Cell Death following Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Neural Cells. Reactive Oxygen Species 2018, 6(18), 428-444.
• Behravan E, Moallem SA, Kalalinia F, Ahmadimanesh M, Blain P, Jowsey P, Khateri S, Forghanifard MM, BalaliMood M. Telomere shortening associated with increased levels of oxidative stress in sulfur mustard-exposed Iranian veterans. Mutation Research/Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis 2018, 834, 1-5.
• Leitch AC, Lakey AF, Hotham WE, Agius L, Kass GE, Blain PG, Wright MC. The ionic liquid 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium (M8OI) is an activator of the human estrogen receptor alpha. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 2018, 503(3), 2167-2178.
• Khundakar AA, Hanson PS, Erskine D, Lax NZ, Roscamp J, Karyka E, Tsefou E, Singh P, Cockell SJ, Gribben A, Ramsay L, Blain PJ, Mosimann UP, Lett DJ, Elstner M, Turnbull DM, Xiang CC, Brownstein MJ, O'Brien JT, Taylor JP, Attems J, Thomas AJ, McKeith IG, Morris CM. Analysis of primary visual cortex in dementia with Lewy bodies indicates GABAergic involvement associated with recurrent complex visual hallucinations. Acta Neuropathologica Communications 2016, 4, 66.
• Langlands H, Blain PG, Jowsey PA. Fe65 is Phosphorylated on Ser²⁸⁹ after UV-Induced DNA Damage. PLoS One 2016, 11(5), e0155056.
• Judge SJ, Savy CY, Campbell M, Dodds R, Gomes LK, Laws G, Watson A, Blain PG, Morris CM, Gartside SE. Mechanism for the acute effects of organophosphate pesticides on the adult 5-HT system. Chemico-Biological Interactions 2016, 245, 82-89.
• Probert PME, Meyer SK, Alsaeedi F, Axon AA, Fairhall EA, Wallace K, Charles M, Oakley F, Jowsey PA, Blain PG, Wright MC. An expandable donor-free supply of functional hepatocytes for toxicology. Toxicology Research 2015, 4(2), 203-222.
• Jowsey PA, Blain PG. Checkpoint kinase 1 is activated and promotes cell survival after exposure to sulphur mustard. Toxicology Letters 2015, 232(2), 413-421.
• Nisar R, Hanson PS, He L, Taylor RW, Blain PG, Morris CM. Diquat causes caspase-independent cell death in SH-SY₅Y cells by production of ROS independently of mitochondria. Archives of Toxicology 2015, 89(10), 1811-1825.
• Savy CY, Fitchett AE, McQuade R, Gartside SE, Morris CM, Blain PG, Judge SJ. Low-level repeated exposure to diazinon and chlorpyrifos decrease anxiety-like behaviour in adult male rats as assessed by marble burying behaviour. Neurotoxicology 2015, 50, 149-156.
• Hill SL, Thomas SHL, Flecknell PA, Thomas AA, Morris CM, Henderson D, Dunn M, Blain PG. Rapid and equivalent systemic bioavailability of the antidotes HI-6 and dicobalt edetate via the intraosseous and intravenous routes. Emergency Medicine Journal 2015, 32(8), 626-631.
• Amer AO, Probert PM, Dunn M, Knight M, Vallance AE, Flecknell PA, Oakley F, Cameron I, White SA, Blain PG, Wright MC. Sustained Isoprostane E2 Elevation, Inflammation and Fibrosis after Acute Ischaemia-Reperfusion Injury Are Reduced by Pregnane X Receptor Activation. PLoS ONE 2015, 10(8), e0136173.
• Jowsey PA, Blain PG. Fe65 Ser²²⁸ is Phosphorylated by ATM/ATR and Inhibits Fe65-APP-Mediated Gene Transcription. Biochemical Journal 2014.
• Skamarauskas JT, Oakley F, Smith FE, Bawn C, Dunn M, Vidler DS, Clemence M, Blain PG, Taylor R, Gamcsik MP, Thelwall PE. Non-invasive in vivo magnetic resonance measures of glutathione synthesis in human and rat liver as an oxidative stress biomarker. Hepatology 2014, 59(6), 2321-2330.
• Moore CA, Wilkinson SC, Blain PG, Dunn M, Aust GA, Williams FM. Percutaneous absorption and distribution of organophosphates (chlorpyrifos and dichlorvos) following dermal exposure and decontamination scenarios using in vitro human skin model. Toxicology Letters 2014, 229(1), 66-27.
• Meyer S, Axon A, Jowsey P, Williams F, Blain P, Wright M. Tartrazine is not an activator of the mouse oestrogen ER alpha and ER beta receptors. In: 50th Congress of the European Societies of Toxicology (EUROTOX). 2014, Edinburgh: Elsevier Ireland.
• Moore CA, Wilkinson SC, Blain PG, Dunn M, Aust GA, Williams FM. Use of a human skin in vitro model to investigate the influence of 'every-day' clothing and skin surface decontamination on the percutaneous penetration of organophosphates. Toxicology Letters 2014, 229(1), 257-264.
• Jowsey PA, Blain PG. Whole Genome Expression Analysis in Primary Bronchial Epithelial Cells after Exposure to Sulphur Mustard. Toxicology Letters 2014, 230(3), 393-401.
• Blakey DH, Lafontaine M, Lavigne J, Sokolowski D, Philippe JM, Sapori JM, Biederbick W, Horre R, Marzi WB, Kondo H, Kuroki Y, Namera A, Okumura T, Yamamoto M, Yashiki M, Blain PG, Russell DR, Cibulsky SM, Jett DA, Global Health Security Initiative. A screening tool to prioritize public health risk associated with accidental or deliberate release of chemicals into the atmosphere. BMC Public Health 2013, 13, 253.
• Sidaginamale RP, Joyce TJ, Lord JK, Jefferson R, Blain PG, Nargol VF, Langton D. Blood metal ion testing is an effective screening tool to identify poorly performing metal on metal bearing surfaces. Bone and Joint Research 2013, 2(5), 84-95.
• Behravan E, Moallem SA, Khateri S, Maraghi E, Jowsey P, Blain PG, Balali-Mood M. Deoxyribonucleic acid damage in Iranian veterans 25 years after wartime exposure to sulfur mustard. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences 2013, 18(3), 239-244.
• Hill SL, Doris T, Gurung S, Katebe S, Lomas A, Dunn M, Blain P, Thomas SHL. Severe clinical toxicity associated with analytically confirmed recreational use of 25I–NBOMe: case series. Clinical Toxicology 2013, 51(6), 487-492.
• Baron AW, Rushton SP, Rens N, Morris CM, Blain PG, Judge SJ. Sex differences in effects of low level domoic acid exposure. NeuroToxicology 2013, 34, 1-8.
• Langton DJ, Sidaginamale R, Joyce TJ, Natu S, Blain P, Jefferson RD, Rushton S, Nargol AVF. The clinical implications of elevated blood metal ion concentrations in asymptomatic patients with MoM hip resurfacings: a cohort study. British Medical Journal Open 2013, 3(3), 1-13.
• Blain PG. Biotoxins and Bioterrorism: Ricin and Saxitoxin. In: 17th World Congress of the International Society on Toxinology. 2012, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA: Pergamon.
• Hanson PS, Blain PG, Mulligan J, Morris CM. Brominated flame retardants - Neurotoxic to humans?. In: Health Protection. 2012, University of Warwick.
• Jowsey PJ, Williams FM, Blain PG. DNA damage responses in cells exposed to sulphur mustard. Toxicology Letters 2012, 209(1), 1-10.
• Kurzawa-Akanbi M, Hanson PS, Blain PG, Lett DJ, McKeith IG, Chinnery PF, Morris CM. Glucocerebrosidase Mutations alter the endoplasmic reticulum and lysosomes in Lewy body disease. Journal of Neurochemistry 2012, 123(2), 298-309.
• Murray DM, Eddleston M, Thomas S, Jefferson RD, Thompson A, Dunn M, Vidler DS, Clutton E, Blain PG. Rapid and complete bioavailability of antidotes for organophosphorus nerve agent and cyanide poisoning in minipigs after intraosseous administration. Annals of Emergency Medicine 2012, 60(4), 424-430.
• Axon A, May FEB, Gaughan LE, Williams FM, Blain PG, Wright MC. Tartrazine and sunset yellow are xenoestrogens in a new screening assay to identify modulators of human oestrogen receptor transcriptional activity. Toxicology 2012, 298(1-3), 40-51.
• Keane PC, Judge SJ, Blain PG, Morris CM. An investigation into the mechanism of trichloroethylene neurotoxicity in relation to Parkinsonism. In: Annual Congress of The British Toxicology Society. 2011, Durham: Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
• Savy CY, Morris CM, Blain PG, Judge SJ. Behavioural effects of low level exposure to organophosphate pesticides. Toxicology 2011, 290(2-3), 116.
• Keane PC, Kurzawa M, Blain PG, Morris CM. Mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease. Parkinson's Disease 2011, 2011, 716871.
• Baron AW, Steeg R, Morris CM, Blain PG, Judge SJ. Motor activity is a sensitive behavioural biomarker of low level exposure to the shellfish toxin, domoic acid, in male and female rats. In: Toxicology: Annual Congress of The British Toxicology Society. 2011, Durham, UK: Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
• Blain PG, Jefferson RD. Occupational Toxicology: general principles. In: Baxter, P., Aw, T-C., Cockcroft, A., Durrington, P., Harrington, J.M, ed. Hunter's Diseases of Occupations. London, UK: Hodder & Stroughton, 2010, pp.127-140.
• Russell D, Blaine PG, Rice P. Clinical management of casualties exposed to lung damaging agents: a critical review. Emergency Medicine Journal 2006, 23(6), 421-424.
• Gage VR, Blain PG, Leathart JBS, Daly AK, Williams FM. Association of DNA damage to human peripheral lymphocytes with age and MnSOD and OGG1 genotype. In: Annual Congress of the British Toxicology Society. 2004, Edinburgh, Scotland: Toxicology: Elsevier.
• Harris JB, Blain PG. Neurotoxicology: What the neurologist needs to know. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry 2004, 75, iii29-iii34.
• Harris JB, Blain PG. Neurotoxicology: What the neurologist needs to know. Neurology in Practice 2004, 75(suppl. 3), iii29-iii34.
• Blain PG. Committee on carcinogenicity of chemicals in food, consumer products and the environment - Statement on ILSI/HESI research programme on alternative cancer models. Toxicologic Pathology 2003, 31(2), 254-257.
• Blain PG. Tear gases and irritant incapacitants: 1-Chloroacetophene, 2-Chlorobenzylidene malononitrile and dibenz[B,F]-1,4-oxazepine. Toxicological Reviews 2003, 22(2), 103-110.
• Howel D, O'Brien S, Murphy E, Chinn DJ, McCrone C, French JM, Blain PG. Upper aerodigestive tract cancers in former employees at an iron and steel works. Occupational Medicine 2001, 51(5), 336-342.
• De Blaquiere GE, Waters L, Blain PG, Williams FM. Electrophysiological and biochemical effects of single and multiple doses of the organophosphate diazinon in the mouse. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 2000, 166(2), 81-91.
• Mutch E, Blain PG, Williams FM. The role of metabolism in determining susceptibility to parathion toxicity in man. In: International Symposium on Health Aspects of Environmental and Occupational Pesticide Exposure. 1999, Düsseldorf, Germany: Elsevier.
• C. S. Roper, D. Howes, P. G. Blain and F. M. Williams. A comparison of the absorption of a series of ethoxylates through rat skin in vitro. Toxicology in Vitro 1998, 12, 57-65.
• G. E. de Blaquiere, F. M. Williams, P. G. Blain and S. S. Kelly. A comparison of the electrophysiological effects of two organophosphates, mipafox and ecothiopate, on mouse limb muscles. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 1998, 150, 350-360.
• Blain P.G. et al. Consideration of short-term carcinogenicity tests using transgenic mouse models. Mutation Research-Fundamental and Moelcular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis 1998, 16, 138-145.
• P. G. Blain, J. M. Battershill, S. Venitt, C. C. Cooper and R. J. Fielder. Consideration of short-term carcinogenicity tests using transgenic mouse models. Mutation Research-Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis 1998, 403, 259-263.
• Dick, I.P., Blain, P.G. and Williams, Faith M. Development of structure-activity relationships useful to risk assessment utilising human skin in in vitro systems. Perspectives of Percutaneous Penetration STS Publishing, Cardiff Ed Brain, James and Waters 1998, 5b, 76-79.
• Blain PG, Loughney E. Occupational asthma due to porcine pancreatic amylase. Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1998, 55(6), 434-434.
• Dick, I.P., Blain, P.G. and Williams, Faith M. Useful of animal models in predicting human skin permeability for a series of chemicals of different liphilicities. Perspectives of Percutaneous Penetration STS Publishing, Cardiff Ed Brain, James and Waters 1998, 5b, 73-75.
• S. J. Crosbie, P. G. Blain and F. M. Williams. An investigation into the role of rat skeletal muscle as a site for xenobiotic metabolism using microsomes and isolated cells. Human & Experimental Toxicology 1997, 16, 138-145.
• S. S. Kelly, G. E. deBlaquiere, F. M. Williams and P. G. Blain. Effects of multiple doses organophosphates an evoked potentials in mouse diaphragm. Human & Experimental Toxicology 1997, 16, 72-78.
• S. J. Crosbie, P. G. Blain and F. M. Williams. Metabolism of n-hexane by rat liver and extrahepatic tissues and the effect of cytochrome P-450 inducers. Human & Experimental Toxicology 1997, 16, 131-137.
• C. S. Roper, D. Howes, P. G. Blain and F. M. Williams. Percutaneous penetration of 2-phenoxyethanol through rat and human skin. Food and Chemical Toxicology 1997, 35, 1009-1016.
• Azari MR, Edwards JW, Williams FM and Blain PG. Potential biomarkers of exposure and effect among glass craftsmen and braziers exposed to nitrogen oxides. Biomarkers 1997, 2, 349-354.
• Hatjian B.A., Edwards J.W., Harrison J., Williams F.M. and Blain P.G. Risk assessment of occupational exposure to bitumen fumes in the road paving and roofing industries. Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand 1997, 13, 65-78.
• F. M. Williams, C. Charlton, G. E. deBlaquiere, E. Mutch, S. S. Kelly and P. G. Blain. The effects of multiple low doses of organophosphates on target enzymes in brain and diaphragm in the mouse. Human & Experimental Toxicology 1997, 16, 67-71.
• I. P. Dick, P. G. Blain and F. M. Williams. The percutaneous absorption and skin distribution of lindane in man. I. In vivo studies. Human & Experimental Toxicology 1997, 16, 645-651.
• Dick IP, Blain PG, Williams FM. The percutaneous absorption and skin distribution of lindane in man. II. In vitro studies. Human and Experimental Toxicology 1997, 16(11), 652-657.
• M. R. Azari, F. M. Williams, J. Kirby, P. Kelly, J. W. Edwards and P. G. Blain. Effects of nitrogen oxides on natural killer cells in glass craftsmen and braziers. Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1996, 53, 248-251.
• Langford AM, Hobbs MJ, Upshall DG, Blain PG, Williams FM. The effect of sulphur mustard on glutathione levels in rat lung slices and the influence of treatment with arylthiols and cysteine esters. Human & Experimental Toxicology 1996, 15(8), 619-624.
• P. G. Blain. Variability in susceptibility of the nervous system to toxic insult. Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology 1996, 2, 131-133.
• E. Mutch, S. S. Kelly, P. G. Blain and F. M. Williams. Comparative studies of two organophosphorus compounds in the mouse. Toxicology Letters 1995, 81, 45-53.
• Kelly, S.S., Mutch, E, Williams, Faith M. and Blain, P.G. Electrophysiological changes in the neuromuscular system and biochemical effects following single doses of organophosphates in the mouse. Arch. Toxicol 1994, 68, 459-466.
• Williams, F.M., Mutch, E and Blain P.G. Paraoxonase distribution in Caucasian males. Chem. Biol. Interact 1993, 87, 155-160.
• Mutch E, Blain PG, Williams FM. Interindividual variations in enzymes controlling organophosphate toxicity in man. Human & Experimental Toxicology 1992, 11(2), 109-116.
• BLAIN PG, LANE RJM, BATEMAN DN, RAWLINS MD. OPIATE-INDUCED RHABDOMYOLYSIS. In: HUMAN TOXICOLOGY. 1985.
• RAWLINS MD, BLAIN PG, ROBERTS DF. SAMPLING FROM THE ADULT-POPULATION FOR PHARMACOKINETIC AND PHARMACOGENETIC STUDIES - REPLY. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 1984, 18(4), 654-655.
• BLAIN PG, LANE RJM. DIHYDROCODEINE OVERDOSE TREATED WITH NALOXONE INFUSION. BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL 1983, 287(6404), 1547-1547.
• BLAIN PG, LANE RJM. DRUGS AND MUSCLE. ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS AND TOXICOLOGICAL REVIEWS 1983, 2(1), 1-24.
• WOODHOUSE KW, BLAIN PG. SOME ORGAN-SPECIFIC ADVERSE REACTIONS TO CYTO-TOXIC DRUGS. ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS AND TOXICOLOGICAL REVIEWS 1983, 2(2), 123-143.
• JOHNSTON DG, ALBERTI KGMM, WRIGHT R, BLAIN PG. GLYCEROL CLEARANCE IN ALCOHOLIC LIVER-DISEASE. GUT 1982, 23(4), 257-264.
• BLAIN PG, MUCKLOW JC, RAWLINS MD, ROBERTS DF, ROUTLEDGE PA, SHAND DG. DETERMINANTS OF PLASMA ALPHA-1 ACID GLYCOPROTEIN CONCENTRATIONS IN HEALTH. In: BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY. 1981.
• WHALLEY LJ, BLAIN PG, PRIME JK. HALOPERIDOL SECRETED IN BREAST-MILK. BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL 1981, 282(6278), 1746-1747.
• BLAIN PG. HALOPERIDOL SECRETED IN BREAST-MILK - REPLY. BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL 1981, 283(6285), 230-230.
• BLAIN PG, MUCKLOW JC, BACON CJ, RAWLINS MD. PHARMACOKINETICS OF PHENYTOIN IN CHILDREN. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 1981, 12(5), 659-661.
• BATEMAN DN, BLAIN PG. DOPAMINE-RECEPTOR BLOCKADE AND TARDIVE-DYSKINESIA. LANCET 1979, 2(8143), 641-641.