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Effects of mercury on human polymorphonuclear leukocyte function in vitro
J Contrino1, P Marucha, R Ribaudo
1Department of Pathology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington 06032.
The American Journal of Pathology
|July 1, 1988
Summary
Mercuric chloride (HgCl2) impairs human immune cells (PMN) at low concentrations, suppressing host defense functions while paradoxically increasing harmful oxygen metabolism, potentially leading to tissue damage.
Area of Science:
- Immunotoxicology
- Environmental Health
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Heavy metals are environmental pollutants with known acute toxicity.
- Limited understanding exists regarding the impact of metals like mercury on host defense mechanisms.
- Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) are critical for innate immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro effects of mercuric chloride (HgCl2) on human PMN function.
- To determine the concentration-dependent toxicity and functional impact of HgCl2 on PMN.
Main Methods:
- Assessed acute toxicity using trypan blue exclusion and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release.
- Evaluated PMN functions including adherence, polarization, chemotaxis, and erythrophagocytosis.
- Measured PMN chemiluminescence and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production.
Main Results:
- HgCl2 showed low acute toxicity to PMN at concentrations up to 10(-6) M.
- HgCl2 suppressed PMN adherence, polarization, chemotaxis, and erythrophagocytosis at 10(-6) to 10(-17) M.
- Low HgCl2 concentrations (10(-9)-10(-15) M) enhanced PMN chemiluminescence and H2O2 production.
Conclusions:
- HgCl2 significantly impairs crucial human PMN functions involved in host defense at low levels.
- HgCl2 also stimulates oxygen metabolism in PMN, potentially causing local tissue injury.
- These dual effects of HgCl2 compromise host defense and promote inflammation.