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Published on: April 29, 2015
[Effects of atrazine on function of murine peritoneal macrophages in vitro]
Objective:
To investigate the effects of atrazine (ATZ) on function of peritoneal macrophages in vitro, and to provide data for its immunotoxicity evaluation.
Methods:
The murine peritoneal macrophages were isolated from mice. After treated with ATZ at different doses, cells viability was detected by MTT assay, and phagocytosis was evaluated by neutral red absorption. NO and TNF-α release were detected with nitrate reductase method and ELISA method, respectively. ROS was measured by DCFH-DA and flow cytometry.
Results:
The IC50 values of the peritoneal macrophages for the MTT assay were (887.4 ± 1.11), (360.2 ± 1.13) and (270.6 ± 1.20) μmol/L after 24, 48 and 72 h. While for the NR absorption were (214.2 ± 1.14), (120.0 ± 1.10) and (42.60 ± 1.12) μmol/L. After dosed for 24 h and 72 h, the NO release of low dose groups were higher than those of the controls, while the NO release of high dose groups showed a downward trend when compared with the control's. After treatment for 72 h, the TNF-α secretion of low dose groups (0.01, 0.1 μmol/L) were significantly higher than that of the control (P < 0.05), and TNF-α secretion in the other groups were lower when compared with that of the control (P < 0.05). After exposure for 24 h or 72 h, the ROS release was promoted in both 0.01 and 1 μmol/L ATZ groups (P < 0.05), however, the ROS release were lowered in the 100 μmol/L ATZ group.
Conclusion:
ATZ can affect the cells viability and phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophages. Meanwhile the TNF-α secretion, NO release as well as ROS release are disturbed in peritoneal macrophages exposed to ATZ.
Insights
Atrazine (ATZ) exposure impacts peritoneal macrophage function, reducing cell viability and phagocytosis. It also disrupts nitric oxide, TNF-α, and ROS release, indicating potential immunotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Immunotoxicology
- Environmental Health
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Atrazine (ATZ) is a widely used herbicide with potential environmental and health impacts.
- Peritoneal macrophages are critical immune cells involved in phagocytosis and inflammatory responses.
- Understanding ATZ's effects on macrophage function is crucial for assessing its immunotoxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effects of atrazine on peritoneal macrophage function.
- To evaluate atrazine's impact on cell viability, phagocytosis, and the release of key immune mediators.
- To provide data for the immunotoxicity evaluation of atrazine.
Main Methods:
- Murine peritoneal macrophages were isolated and exposed to varying doses of atrazine.
- Cell viability was assessed using MTT assay, and phagocytosis was measured by neutral red absorption.
- Nitric oxide (NO), TNF-α, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) release were quantified using specific assays and flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- Atrazine exposure reduced macrophage viability and phagocytic capacity in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
- Low doses of atrazine increased NO release, while high doses decreased it; TNF-α secretion showed complex dose-dependent changes.
- Atrazine promoted ROS release at low concentrations but inhibited it at high concentrations, affecting macrophage function.
Conclusions:
- Atrazine significantly affects peritoneal macrophage viability and phagocytosis.
- The release of TNF-α, NO, and ROS by peritoneal macrophages is disturbed following atrazine exposure.
- These findings suggest that atrazine possesses immunotoxic potential, impacting key macrophage functions.
