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The cytotoxic principle of the phytoflagellate Prymnesium parvum
Abstract:
The cytotoxic events leading to lysis induced in Ehrlich ascites tumor (E.A.) cells by Prymnesium parvum cell extracts were followed microscopically and measured quantitatively as changes in E.A. cell volume, uptake of trypan blue, and release of macromolecular constituents from the cells. Cell swelling was the most immediate response to P. parvum cytotoxin, while cell death and lysis were later events distinguished by a decline in cell volume, uptake of dye, and appearance of cellular macromolecules free in the incubation medium. The pH and temperature were shown to affect the outcome of the lytic sequence. At either low pH or temperature, cells swelled but did not lyse until the pH or temperature was raised. On the other hand, cells swollen at the higher pH or temperature could be protected from lysis by lowering either the pH or the temperature.
Insights
Prymnesium parvum extracts cause Ehrlich ascites tumor cells to swell and then lyse. Environmental factors like pH and temperature control the timing and occurrence of cell lysis, offering potential protection strategies.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Prymnesium parvum is a marine alga known to produce toxins.
- Ehrlich ascites tumor cells are commonly used in cancer research.
- Understanding cytotoxic mechanisms is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cytotoxic effects of Prymnesium parvum cell extracts on Ehrlich ascites tumor cells.
- To characterize the sequence of events leading to cell lysis.
- To determine the influence of pH and temperature on the cytotoxic process.
Main Methods:
- Microscopic observation of cytotoxic events.
- Quantitative measurement of cell volume changes.
- Assessment of trypan blue uptake.
- Monitoring the release of macromolecular constituents.
Main Results:
- Cell swelling was the initial response to P. parvum cytotoxin.
- Cell death and lysis followed swelling, indicated by decreased cell volume, dye uptake, and macromolecule release.
- Low pH or temperature inhibited lysis, while increasing them initiated lysis in swollen cells.
- Lowering pH or temperature protected swollen cells from lysis.
Conclusions:
- Prymnesium parvum cytotoxin induces a multi-step lytic process in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells.
- Environmental factors, specifically pH and temperature, modulate the cytotoxic outcome.
- The findings suggest potential mechanisms for controlling or preventing P. parvum-induced cell lysis.