ISSN:
0263-6484
Keywords:
Lead
;
triethyllead
;
neuroblastoma cells
;
soybean cells
;
tubulin
;
microtubules
;
Chemistry
;
Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Cells of mammalian origin as well as those of higher plants appear to be very sensitive to triethyllead ion (Et3Pb+). Neuroblastoma cells kept in the presence of 1 μM Et3Pb+ lost their viability within 6 h. Growth of suspension culture cells of soybean (G. max(L.)Merr.) was inhibited by 1 μM Et3Pb+, and finally the cells died. Morphologically, Et3Pb+ caused the complete breakdown of microtubular structures in neuroblastoma cells; thus microtubules appeared to be the main target for the toxin. While in a previous study the effect of Et3Pb+ on microtubules has been well documented at concentrations of 50-200 μM1, the present study demonstrates that the formation of microtubules from pig brain tubulin is disturbed at concentrations of Et3Pb+ as low as 0.5 to 1 μM. We conclude from these data that Et3Pb+ freely permeates the plasma membranes of mammalian as well as plant cells.
Additional Material:
3 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/cbf.290020406
