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In vitro electron microprobe of carcinogenic nickel compound interaction with tumor cells
Abstract:
Some nickel compounds (Ni3S2,Ni) induce tumours in muscle, while others have no effect (NiO). It has been suggested that the carcinogenicity of nickel is related to its penetrating power (phagocytosis) in transformed cells. The penetration of various nickel salts into cultured rhabdomyosarcoma cells (RhC) was studied. Electron microscopy and microanalysis were used to study the ultrastructure and intracellular localization of nickel in ultra-thin sections. Nickel subsulfide (Ni3S2) and nickel oxide (NiO) penetrated into cells and were concentrated in vacuoles, exhibiting a particular affinity for membrane structure. They subsequently appeared to be eliminated in the extracellular medium. Colloidal nickel and iron carbonyl, on the other hand, did not penetrate these cells. Various tumoral and normal cells were compared for their ability to phagocytose Ni3S2; it was found that these compounds penetrated only RhC and macrophages. In vivo studies have demonstrated the various carcinogenic properties of nickel and two of its salts. Comparison with in vitro results suggests that the phagocytosis of nickel compounds is not directly related to eventual induction of a tumour. No nuclear localization could be detected, but a mechanism for concentration and elimination of these compounds, and especially for rhabdomyosarcoma tumour cells, was suggested.
Insights
Nickel compounds like nickel subsulfide penetrate rhabdomyosarcoma cells and macrophages, but this phagocytosis doesn't directly correlate with tumor induction. Nickel
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Nickel compounds exhibit varying carcinogenic potentials.
- Nickel carcinogenicity may be linked to cellular penetration (phagocytosis).
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate nickel salt penetration into cultured rhabdomyosarcoma cells (RhC).
- Determine the relationship between nickel compound phagocytosis and tumor induction.
Main Methods:
- Utilized electron microscopy and microanalysis for ultrastructure and intracellular nickel localization.
- Compared phagocytosis of nickel compounds in various tumoral and normal cells.
- Correlated in vitro findings with in vivo nickel carcinogenicity data.
Main Results:
- Nickel subsulfide (Ni3S2) and nickel oxide (NiO) penetrated RhC and macrophages, concentrating in vacuoles before extracellular elimination.
- Colloidal nickel and iron carbonyl did not penetrate these cells.
- Phagocytosis of nickel compounds was specific to RhC and macrophages, not directly linked to carcinogenicity.
Conclusions:
- Nickel compound uptake by cells is not the sole determinant of their carcinogenic properties.
- A mechanism for nickel compound concentration and elimination exists, particularly in rhabdomyosarcoma cells.