Nanosized zinc oxide particles induce neural stem cell apoptosis.
Given the intensive application of nanoscale zinc oxide (ZnO) materials in our life, growing concerns have arisen about its unintentional health and environmental impacts. In this study, the neurotoxicity of different sized ZnO nanoparticles in mouse neural stem cells (NSCs) was investigated. A cell viability assay indicated that ZnO nanoparticles manifested dose-dependent, but no size-dependent toxic effects on NSCs. Apoptotic cells were observed and analyzed by confocal microscopy, transmission electron microscopy examination, and flow cytometry. All the results support the viewpoint that the ZnO nanoparticle toxicity comes from the dissolved Zn(2+) in the culture medium or inside cells. Our results highlight the need for caution during the use and disposal of ZnO manufactured nanomaterials to prevent the unintended environmental and health impacts.
Institute of Nanochemistry and Nanobiology, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, People's Republic of China.
Xiaoyong
X
Deng
Qixia
Q
Luan
Wenting
W
Chen
Yanli
Y
Wang
Minghong
M
Wu
Haijiao
H
Zhang
Zheng
Z
Jiao
D000818:Animals; D017304:Annexin A5 / Q000378:metabolism; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D002460:Cell Line; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D016650:Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate / Q000378:metabolism; D005453:Fluorescence; D020128:Inhibitory Concentration 50; D051379:Mice; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000633:toxicity* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009336:Necrosis / Q000473:pathology; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010316:Particle Size; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D015034:Zinc Oxide / Q000633:toxicity*
D017304:Annexin A5; D004247:DNA; D016650:Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate; D015034:Zinc Oxide