Application of the kinetic of RNA synthesis on Hep 3B cells. Study of the medium-term cytotoxicity of atrazine.

The test based on measuring the RNA synthesis rate, already described on Hela S3 in culture (Fauris et al., Les colloques de l'INSERM 106 (1981) 455-463), has been adapted to a human hepatoma cell line Hep 3B which retains a certain capacity towards metabolising. These modifications make it easier to point to the presence of possible water micropollutions and to envisage the study of the medium-term toxicity of such pollutants to be found in traces in water, with adequate sensitivity if we take into account their low concentration level.

Comparison of metabolic activities in two human hepatoma cell lines, HEP 3B and HEP G2. Application to lindane.

In a preliminary investigation, the evolution with time of the levels of ATP and glutathione species [reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione disulphide (GSSG)], glutathione reductase activity and RNA synthesis rate were studied in two human hepatoma cell lines, Hep 3B and Hep G2. Both cell lines exhibited higher cellular activities, during the first 48 hr. In a second investigation, the cells were exposed to lindane.