Cell-cell proximity is a parameter affecting the transfer of mutagenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons between cells.
A keratinocyte cell-mediated mutation assay was used to examine the importance of cellular proximity to the transfer of mutagenic and cytotoxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolites between cells. The PAHs 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) and benzo[a]pyrene (BP) were both mutagenic and cytotoxic to V-79 fibroblasts co-cultured on the surface of a keratinocyte feeder layer. However, neither PAH was mutagenic to the V-79 cells when the V-79 cells were co-incubated with the cultured keratinocytes under conditions in which the two cell types were separated by 0.5-1.5 mm but continually shared a common medium. Similarly, DMBA cytotoxicity was eliminated and BP-dependent cytotoxicity was greatly reduced in co-incubation protocols. These results suggest that cells must either be in contact or very close to facilitate the transfer of mutagenic PAH metabolites between cells.
D015127:9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001564:Benzo(a)pyrene / Q000378:metabolism; D002450:Cell Communication; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006224:Cricetinae; D003412:Cricetulus; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism; D009153:Mutagens / Q000378:metabolism*; D011083:Polycyclic Compounds / Q000378:metabolism*; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism
D009153:Mutagens; D011083:Polycyclic Compounds; D001564:Benzo(a)pyrene; D015127:9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene; D004247:DNA