Author: Sharma RP, Obersteiner EJ.
Source: J Comp Pathol.
Year: 1981
Comment:
Although this study is not about dental mercury, the research relates cell growth inhibition to mercury and other metallic compounds.
Abstract / Excerpt:
“Metallic compounds have been shown to contribute to environmental pollution. They are potential health hazards, and many cause neuropathies in man and animals. Their cytotoxic properties were investigated in an isolated cell system by exposing 11-day-old chick embryonic nervous tissues to various concentrations of the metallic compounds. Following a 72 h incubation period at 37°C, phase contrast and light microscopic observations were made on cellular growth (nerve fibres, neuroglia, cell bodies) and cellular migration, for abnormalities. Results indicated that all cell growth inhibition was dosedependent with its magnitude (to produce a half-maximal effect) ranging from severely toxic (10-6m or less) for Hg2+, Cd2+, As3+, and Vendex-Sn2+; moderately toxic (10-4 to 10-6m) for Tl1+, As5+, Se4+, and Cu2+, and slightly toxic (10-4 or greater) for Pb2+, As3+ (oxide), and Sn2+ (oxide). In all instances nerve fibres were more sensitive to metallic compounds than were neuroglia and cells. Subtoxic doses of some compounds caused increased neurite extension while others produced vacuolization. Other abnormalities included increased glial cell varicosities, granulation, decreased cellular migration and degenerative effects, especially at higher exposure levels. No correlation between cytotoxic effects of nerve fibres and glial cells could be established with acute or chronic animal toxicity, atomic weight or Periodic classification. The effects of metallic ions in vitro do not demonstrate nerve cell specificity as seen in vivo and a variety of mechanisms may be implicated in the cytotoxic action.”
Citation:
Sharma RP, Obersteiner EJ. Metals and neurotoxic effects: cytotoxicity of selected metallic compounds on chick ganglia cultures. Journal of Comparative Pathology. 1981; 91(2):235-244.