ISSN:
1420-9071
Keywords:
Arsenic compounds
;
cytotoxicity
;
BALB/c 3T3 cells
;
glutathione depletion
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract The cytotoxicity of arsenic compounds towards BALB/c 3T3 cells in culture was investigated, together with the role of glutathione (GSH) in the induction of the cytotoxic effects. The rank order of cytotoxicity was as follows: arsenite (As3+)〉arsenate (As5+)〉dimethylarsinic acid (DMAA)〉methylarsonic acid (MAA)〉trimethylarsine oxide (TMAO). Arsenobetaine, arsenocholine and the tetramethylarsonium ion were less toxic. Depletion of GSH enhanced the cytotoxic effects of As3+, As5+, MAA and TMAO, while the cytotoxicity of DMAA was markedly reduced by depletion of GSH. These results suggest that GSH plays a role in protecting the cells against the toxic effects of As3+, As5+, MAA and TMAO while it is involved in the induction of the cytotoxic effects of DMAA.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01984946
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