Alterations in cell membrane properties caused by perfluorinated compounds.
Wen yue Hu1, Paul D Jones, Wim DeCoen
1National Food Safety and Toxicology Center, Institute for Environmental Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
Summary
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) impacts wildlife cell membranes, affecting fluidity and potential. These effects occur at low concentrations, suggesting PFOS may alter membrane properties before causing other harm.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are detected globally in wildlife.
- Limited data exists on PFCs' toxicological effects on wildlife.
- PFCs' amphiphilic nature suggests potential impacts on cell membranes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of PFCs on wildlife cell membrane properties.
- To assess PFCs' impact on membrane fluidity, permeability, and mitochondrial membrane potential.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry was used to measure membrane fluidity and mitochondrial membrane potential.
- Cell bioassays (H4IIE, MCF-7, PLHC-1) assessed membrane permeability.
- Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHS), and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) were tested.
Main Results:
- PFOS increased cell membrane permeability to hydrophobic ligands.
- PFOS dose-dependently increased membrane fluidity in fish leukocytes.
- PFHS and PFBS did not affect membrane fluidity within the tested concentrations.
- Effects on mitochondrial membrane potential were observed at similar concentrations as membrane fluidity changes.
Conclusions:
- PFOS alters cell membrane properties, including permeability and fluidity.
- These effects occur at concentrations lower than those linked to other adverse outcomes.
- PFOS represents a potential risk to wildlife through membrane disruption.
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