In vitro toxicology of heavy metals using mammalian cells: an overview of collaborative research data.

The uptake and distribution of selected heavy metals were followed and related to cytotoxicity using various parameters of proliferation and viability of cultured cells. The effects of short-term lead exposure on DNA synthesis were reversible, indicating that lead does not significantly influence genetic cellular function. In contrast, nickel effects persisted, indicating that DNA is one of the main nickel targets.

Cell survival after the combined action of manganese (MnCl2) and X-rays in synchronized Chinese hamster cells.

The interactions between the effects of manganese chloride and X-rays were studied in synchronized populations of V79 Chinese hamster fibroblasts. The cells were selected by shaking off asynchronous cultures for detachment of mitotic cells which were plated in petri dishes and exposed to various treatments. Irradiation was carried out with a Philips RT-100 X-ray unit.

Cyclic nucleotides affect growth and differentiation of cultured rat embryonic shields.

The modified organ culture of rat embryonic shields provides favorable conditions during 2 weeks for the differentiation of main tissue types. Since the terminal differentiation in explants is inferior to that obtained in the homografts of the same shields under the kidney capsule, we tried to improve the culture medium by adding some known regulatory molecules: db-cAMP, db-cGMP, ATP, AMP, and butyric acid. These agents were added to the liquid medium in the concentration of 1 mM.

Toxicity of nickel for mammalian cells in culture.

The effects of nickel chloride were studied in two human cell lines, HeLa and diploid embryonic fibroblasts, as well as in V79 Chinese hamster cells and in L-A mouse fibroblasts. NiCl2 produces a dose-dependent depression of proliferation and mitotic rate. Effects on viability are accompanied by an increasing release of the intracellular enzyme lactic dehydrogenase.