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Inhibition of intercellular communication by airborne particulate matter
1Department of Toxicology, Agricultural University, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
To investigate the inhibition of gap junction mediated intercellular communication (IC) by extracts of airborne particulate matter (APM), V79 cells were incubated with extracts of APM and subsequently microinjected with the fluorescent dye Lucifer Yellow, after which the number of fluorescent (= communicating) cells was determined. To compare inhibitory effects on IC with mutagenicity, APM was also tested in the Salmonella microsome assay. Six different extracts were tested, two outdoor extracts representing a heavily polluted and a relatively clean sample, and four indoor extracts, taken either in livingrooms with or without wood combustion in an open fire place, or in a room with or without cigarette smoking. Non-cytotoxic doses of outdoor and indoor APM inhibited IC in V79 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Mutagenicity data and IC data were correlated. These results suggest that APM has tumor promoter activity in addition to mutagenic activity.
Insights
Airborne particulate matter (APM) extracts inhibit gap junction intercellular communication (IC) in V79 cells. This suggests APM possesses tumor promoter activity alongside its mutagenic effects.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Cell Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Airborne particulate matter (APM) is a complex mixture of environmental pollutants.
- Intercellular communication (IC) is crucial for normal cell function and tissue homeostasis.
- Disruption of IC is implicated in various diseases, including cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the inhibitory effects of APM extracts on gap junction-mediated IC.
- To compare the IC inhibitory potential of APM with its mutagenicity.
- To assess the tumor promoter activity of both outdoor and indoor APM.
Main Methods:
- V79 cells were exposed to APM extracts.
- Microinjection with Lucifer Yellow dye was used to quantify IC.
- The Salmonella microsome assay was employed to assess mutagenicity.
- Dose- and time-dependency of IC inhibition were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Non-cytotoxic doses of both outdoor and indoor APM extracts significantly inhibited IC in V79 cells.
- The inhibition of IC by APM was dose- and time-dependent.
- A correlation was observed between APM's mutagenicity and its IC inhibitory effects.
Conclusions:
- APM, from both outdoor and indoor sources, can disrupt intercellular communication.
- APM exhibits tumor promoter activity, in addition to its known mutagenic activity.
- These findings highlight the potential health risks associated with APM exposure.