Organic and inorganic lead inhibit neurite growth in vertebrate and invertebrate neurons in culture.
Neurons from brains of chick embryos and pond snails (Lymnaea stagnalis) were cultured for 3 to 4 d in the presence of no toxins, inorganic lead (PbCl2), or organic lead (triethyl lead chloride). In chick neurons, inorganic lead reduced the percentage of cells that grew neurites (IC50 = 270 microM total lead, approximately 70 nM free Pb2+) but did not reduce the number of neurites per cell or the mean neurite length. Triethyl lead reduced the percentage of cells that grew neurites (IC50 = 0.24 microM) and the mean neurite length (extrapolated IC50 = 3.6 microM) but did not reduce the number of neurites per cell. In Lymnaea neurons, inorganic lead reduced the percentage of cells that grew neurites (IC50 = 13 microM total lead; approximately 10 nM free Pb2+). Triethyl lead reduced the percentage of cells that grew neurites (IC50 = 0.4 microM) and exerted significant toxicity at 0.2 microM. The two forms of lead affected neurite growth in qualitatively different ways, which suggests that their mechanisms of action are different.
Audesirk
G
G
Biology Department, University of Colorado, Denver 80204.
Shugarts
D
D
Nelson
G
G
Przekwas
J
J
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002642:Chick Embryo; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007854:Lead / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology*; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology; D012908:Snails
D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D007854:Lead; C010360:triethyllead