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Diverse effect of tributyltin on apoptosis in PC12 cells
O Yamanoshita1, M Kurasaki, T Saito
1Department of Environmental Medicine and Informatics, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810, Japan.
Abstract:
It has not been fully elucidated how endocrine-disrupting chemicals disrupt hormone functions or how strong their effects are compared with natural hormones. There is little information concerning the effects of tributyltin (TBT), one of the endocrine disrupters on living organisms. Although TBT at high concentration induced apoptosis in PC12 cells, TBT at low concentration inhibited the DNA fragmentation in the cells cultured in serum-free medium or in medium containing 6-hydroxydopamine. The cell viability grown in both medium conditions increased after treatment with TBT. These findings suggest that TBT exerted a apoptosis-inducing and -inhibiting effect. These diverse effect of TBT on apoptosis would cause serious damages on cell differentiation.
Insights
Tributyltin (TBT), an endocrine disruptor, shows dual effects on apoptosis in PC12 cells. Low TBT concentrations inhibit apoptosis and increase cell viability, while high concentrations induce it, potentially harming cell differentiation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Cell Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) interfere with hormone functions, but their potency relative to natural hormones is unclear.
- Limited data exists on the effects of tributyltin (TBT), a known EDC, on biological systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of tributyltin (TBT) on apoptosis and cell viability in PC12 cells.
- To understand the dual role of TBT in inducing and inhibiting apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- PC12 cells were cultured in serum-free or 6-hydroxydopamine-containing medium.
- Cells were treated with varying concentrations of TBT.
- Apoptosis, DNA fragmentation, and cell viability were assessed.
Main Results:
- TBT exhibited concentration-dependent effects on apoptosis.
- Low TBT concentrations inhibited DNA fragmentation and increased cell viability.
- High TBT concentrations induced apoptosis in PC12 cells.
Conclusions:
- TBT demonstrates a complex, dual effect on apoptosis, acting as both an inducer and inhibitor.
- These contradictory effects of TBT may lead to significant damage during cell differentiation.