Lead nitrate induced apoptosis in alveolar macrophages from rat lung.
In this work we have attempted to characterize the programmed cell death (apoptosis) in alveolar macrophages exposed to various concentrations of lead nitrate. It was found that after 3 h of exposure a significant increase in superoxide anion production was observed, i.e. the number of trypan blue - exculding cells, was unchanged (< or = 95%) with any dose of lead employed. Agarose gel electrophoresis and diphenylamin reaction analysis revealed the occurrence of internucleosomal DNA fragmentation evaluated using cytological analysis by fluorescence dyes, suggesting that lead nitrate at low concentrations and short periods of exposure leads macrophages into apoptosis. However, time course studies showed that beyond 3 h, toxicity occurs, which could be attenuated by phosphodiesterase inhibitors, such as caffeine, suggesting a possible mechanism involving cAMP.
Shabani
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Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 13145-1384, Tehran, Iran.
Rabbani
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D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D004247:DNA / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D053938:DNA Fragmentation / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D007854:Lead / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008168:Lung / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D016676:Macrophages, Alveolar / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D009566:Nitrates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D013481:Superoxides / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors
D009566:Nitrates; D013481:Superoxides; D007854:Lead; C017461:lead nitrate; D004247:DNA