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Updated: Aug 24, 2026
In vitro Cell Culture Model for Toxic Inhaled Chemical Testing
Published on: May 8, 2014
In vitro exposure to carbon dioxide induces oxidative stress in human peritoneal mesothelial cells
Angela M Bentes de Souza1, Chi Chiu Wang, Ching Yan Chu
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.
Background:
The objective of this study was to verify whether in vitro exposure of human peritoneal mesothelial cells to carbon dioxide (CO(2)) influences the levels of 8-isoprostaglandin F(2alpha) (8-iso-PGF(2alpha)), a marker of oxidative stress.
Methods:
Mesothelial cells were exposed to either: (i). 100% CO(2) for 4 h; (ii). 100% helium (an alternative gas with which to create hypoxic conditions) for 4 h; (iii). 100% CO(2) for 24 h; or (iv). standard conditions (control). After gas exposure, mesothelial cells were returned to standard conditions and harvested immediately (T(0)), and at 1-(T(1)) and 3 (T(3)) h afterwards. Cell viability and culture medium pH were monitored throughout the experiments. 8-iso-PGF(2alpha) was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results:
Exposure to CO(2) decreased the culture medium pH whereas helium increased the pH. 8-iso-PGF(2alpha) levels in all treated groups were significantly higher than in the control group: in the 4 h CO(2) group at T(1); in the 24 h CO(2) group at T(0) and T(1); and in the 4 h helium group at T(0), T(1) and T(3). 8-iso-PGF(2alpha) levels following 4 h CO(2) exposure were significantly lower than after 24 h CO(2) exposure at T(1), and lower than following 4 h helium exposure at all time points.
Conclusions:
Exposure to both CO(2) and helium induces oxidative stress in mesothelial cells. Hypoxia-reoxygenation may play a role in this process.
