Analytical and structural electron microscopy of chromium carcinogenesis in vitro

Syrian hamster embryo cells have been grown in culture on thin (10-50 nm), evaporated substrates of chromium, and examined by analytical transmission electron microscopy. After 10 d exposure, significant metal uptake was observed and numerous cell colonies showed the physical characteristics of carcinogenic transformation. The majority of the ingested chromium appeared to be associated with nucleic acid complexes. As a control, cells grown on titanium showed no signs of metal uptake and had morphologies very similar to cells grown on conventional carbon substrates.