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Cytotoxicity and apoptotic effects of microcystin-LR and anatoxin-a in mouse lymphocytes
I Teneva1, R Mladenov, N Popov
1Department of Botany, University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
Abstract:
There is an increasing amount of knowledge on the cytotoxic properties of cyanotoxins, but relatively little is known regarding their fine specificity and mechanisms of action. In this study, we investigated the influence of microcystin-LR and AnTx-a on mouse B- and T-lymphocyte subpopulations in vitro. Cyanotoxins significantly decreased the cell viability after 4 and 24 h, compared to the untreated control. After 24 h exposure to microcystin-LR and anatoxin-a, the viability of splenocytes dropped to 23% and 57%, respectively. Our data demonstrate that microcystin-LR induced apoptosis specifically in mouse B cells, probably via the B-cell antigen receptor and mitochondrial pathway, while the T cells were not affected. AnTx-a showed cytotoxic effects on both lymphocyte subpopulations, but the effects were driven by mechanisms different from apoptosis. These findings demonstrate that the cyanotoxins could cause cytotoxic alterations in a variety of cell types different from the major targets, operating via distinct mechanisms.
Insights
Cyanotoxins like microcystin-LR and anatoxin-a harm mouse lymphocytes. Microcystin-LR triggers B cell apoptosis, while anatoxin-a affects both B and T cells through different cytotoxic mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Immunology
- Cell biology
Background:
- Cyanotoxins are potent environmental toxins with known cytotoxic effects.
- Limited understanding exists regarding the specific mechanisms and cellular targets of cyanotoxins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effects of microcystin-LR and anatoxin-a on mouse B- and T-lymphocyte subpopulations.
- To elucidate the distinct cytotoxic mechanisms employed by these cyanotoxins.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of mouse splenocytes to microcystin-LR and anatoxin-a.
- Assessment of cell viability and apoptosis induction.
- Analysis of effects on B- and T-lymphocyte subpopulations.
Main Results:
- Both microcystin-LR and anatoxin-a significantly reduced lymphocyte viability.
- Microcystin-LR induced apoptosis specifically in B cells, likely via BCR and mitochondrial pathways.
- Anatoxin-a exhibited cytotoxicity in both B and T cells through non-apoptotic mechanisms.
- T cells remained unaffected by microcystin-LR.
Conclusions:
- Cyanotoxins exhibit differential cytotoxic effects on lymphocyte subpopulations.
- Microcystin-LR targets B cells via apoptosis, while anatoxin-a has broader cytotoxic impacts.
- These findings highlight diverse cyanotoxin mechanisms and potential off-target effects.
