Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 18, 2025
Author Spotlight: THP-1 Macrophage Response to LPS/ATP — Unveiling the Pyroptosis, Apoptosis, and Necroptosis Spectrum
Published on: May 3, 2024
Lead (Pb) Accumulation in Human THP-1 Monocytes/Macrophages In Vitro and the Influence on Cell Apoptosis
Emilia Metryka1, Patrycja Kupnicka1, Patrycja Kapczuk1
1Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland.
Abstract:
In this study, we investigated the ability of THP-1 monocytes and macrophages to accumulate lead (Pb) in vitro, relative to Pb concentration and length of exposure. Moreover, we also evaluated the effect of Pb accumulation on cell viability and apoptosis. THP-1 monocytes and macrophages were cultured in the presence of Pb at 1.25 μg/dL, 2.5 μg/dL, 5 μg/dL, and 10 μg/dL. Pb accumulation was examined by inductively coupled plasma and confocal microscopy. The influence of Pb on cell viability, apoptosis, and necrosis was assessed using flow cytometry. The results showed that Pb was toxic to THP-1 monocytes/macrophages even at very low environmental concentrations. Despite the use of low concentrations, both monocytes and macrophages showed dose-dependent and time-dependent decreases in viability, with a simultaneous increase in the percentage of early and late apoptotic cells. Macrophages reacted more strongly to Pb than monocytes. When exposed to the same Pb concentrations, they showed lower viability and a higher percentage of necrotic cells. The incubation time positively correlated with Pb accumulation in a dose-dependent manner. The obtained results indicate that environmental exposure to low Pb concentrations may significantly impair the function of macrophages, with the increased number of apoptotic cells potentially contributing to the development of many pathologies in the brain and whole body.
Insights
Lead (Pb) exposure harms THP-1 monocytes and macrophages, reducing cell viability and increasing apoptosis even at low concentrations. Macrophages are more susceptible to lead toxicity than monocytes.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Lead (Pb) is a toxic heavy metal with known detrimental health effects.
- Monocytes and macrophages are crucial immune cells involved in inflammatory and phagocytic processes.
- Understanding lead's impact on these cells is vital for assessing its systemic toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate lead accumulation in THP-1 monocytes and macrophages in vitro.
- To evaluate the effects of lead exposure on cell viability, apoptosis, and necrosis.
- To determine the dose- and time-dependent responses of these immune cells to lead.
Main Methods:
- THP-1 monocytes and macrophages were cultured with varying lead concentrations (1.25–10 μg/dL).
- Lead accumulation was measured using inductively coupled plasma and confocal microscopy.
- Cell viability, apoptosis, and necrosis were assessed via flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- Lead exposure reduced cell viability and increased apoptosis in both monocytes and macrophages in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
- Macrophages exhibited greater sensitivity to lead, showing lower viability and higher necrosis rates compared to monocytes.
- Lead accumulation increased with exposure concentration and duration.
Conclusions:
- Even low environmental lead concentrations are toxic to monocytes and macrophages.
- Impaired macrophage function due to lead exposure may contribute to various pathologies.
- Lead exposure significantly impacts immune cell function, highlighting the need for reduced environmental lead levels.
