Effect of ferric nitrilotriacetate on predominantly cortical glial cell cultures

Cultured glial cells were exposed to ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA) at varying concentrations. Studies of the exposed glial cells were performed at days 29 and 36 post-conceptional age (culture days 8 and 15). In addition to morphologic studies, biochemical assays including [3H]-flunitrazepam (FLU) specific binding, Ro5-4864-displaceable 3H-FLU binding, and protein determinations were performed. At day 29 post-conceptional age, significant decreases in 3H-FLU specific binding, Ro5-4864-displaceable 3H-FLU binding, and protein determinations were discernible only in the presence of 100 microM Fe-NTA. At day 36 post-conceptional age 3H-FLU specific binding was significantly decreased at 20, 60, and 100 microM Fe-NTA concentrations, while Ro5-4864-displaceable 3H-FLU binding and protein determinations were significantly reduced at 60 and 100 microM Fe-NTA concentrations. The effects of Fe-NTA exposure appear to be both concentration and duration-of-exposure related. When compared to previously reported neuronal cell culture studies utilizing 3H-FLU specific binding, Ro5-4864-displaceable 3H-FLU binding, and protein determinations, glial cells appear to be significantly more resistant to chelated iron exposure.