title: Uptake and metabolism of iron oxide nanoparticles in brain cells.
abstract: Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are used for various applications in biomedicine, for example as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging, for cell tracking and for anti-tumor treatment. However, IONPs are also known for their toxic effects on cells and tissues which are at least in part caused by iron-mediated radical formation and oxidative stress. The potential toxicity of IONPs is especially important concerning the use of IONPs for neurobiological applications as alterations in brain iron homeostasis are strongly connected with human neurodegenerative diseases. Since IONPs are able to enter the brain, potential adverse consequences of an exposure of brain cells to IONPs have to be considered. This article describes the pathways that allow IONPs to enter the brain and summarizes the current knowledge on the uptake, the metabolism and the toxicity of IONPs for the different types of brain cells in vitro and in vivo.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Biomolecular Interactions Bremen, Faculty 2 (Biology/Chemistry), University of Bremen, P.O. Box 330440, 28334, Bremen, Germany.
authors.forename: Charlotte
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Petters
authors.forename: Ellen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Irrsack
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Koch
authors.forename: Ralf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dringen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D006801:Humans; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles
chemical_list: D005290:Ferric Compounds; C000499:ferric oxide