Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
In Vivo Assessment of Alveolar Macrophage Efferocytosis Following Ozone Exposure
Published on: October 22, 2019
Toxic effect of different ZnO particles on mouse alveolar macrophages
Jinyang Zhang1, Wenhua Song, Jing Guo
1College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
Abstract:
To study the toxicity mechanism of ZnO nanoparticles on mouse macrophages, the toxic effect of different ZnO nanoparticles on mouse alveolar macrophages (MH-S) was investigated in this study. The results showed that the 24h IC(50) of four ZnO particles were 48.53, 47.37, 45.43 and 26.74 μg/ml for bulk ZnO, 100 nm, 30 nm and 10-30 nm ZnO particles, respectively. At the concentration of 10 μg/ml and below, dissolved zinc ions induced metallothionein synthesis, enhanced cellular resistance to oxidative stress. ZnO particles mainly induced cell apoptosis. When the concentration of ZnO particles was 20 μg/ml and above, excessive zinc destroyed mitochondrial function and cell membrane, caused cell necrosis. Dissolved zinc ions first cause toxicity in MH-S cells. However, the toxic effect of dissolved zinc ions may exist a threshold on mouse macrophages, inducing about 50% cell death. The toxic difference of different ZnO particles mainly depended on the effect of nondissolved ZnO particles.
Insights
Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles exhibit varying toxicity in mouse macrophages. Smaller ZnO particles (10-30 nm) are more toxic, inducing apoptosis and necrosis through dissolved ions and particle effects.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are increasingly used in various applications.
- Understanding their toxicological impact on mammalian cells, particularly immune cells like macrophages, is crucial.
- Macrophages play a key role in the immune response to foreign particles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxicity mechanisms of different sizes of ZnO nanoparticles on mouse alveolar macrophages (MH-S).
- To determine the dose-dependent effects of ZnO nanoparticles and dissolved zinc ions on macrophage viability and function.
- To elucidate the role of particle size and dissolution in ZnO NP toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of mouse alveolar macrophages (MH-S) to varying concentrations of bulk ZnO, 100 nm, 30 nm, and 10-30 nm ZnO particles.
- Assessment of cell viability using IC(50) values.
- Analysis of cellular responses including metallothionein synthesis, oxidative stress resistance, apoptosis, mitochondrial function, and cell membrane integrity.
Main Results:
- The 24h IC(50) values varied significantly with particle size, with 10-30 nm ZnO particles being the most potent (26.74 μg/ml).
- At low concentrations (≤10 μg/ml), dissolved zinc ions induced protective mechanisms like metallothionein synthesis.
- At higher concentrations (≥20 μg/ml), ZnO particles induced apoptosis, while excessive zinc ions led to mitochondrial dysfunction, cell membrane damage, and necrosis.
Conclusions:
- ZnO nanoparticle toxicity in mouse macrophages is dependent on particle size and concentration.
- Dissolved zinc ions contribute to toxicity, but their effect may have a threshold.
- The toxicity of different ZnO nanoparticles is primarily influenced by the effects of the non-dissolved particle fraction.
