Effect of metal allergens on thymocytes from unsensitized guinea pigs: a comparative light and electron microscopic...

In the present investigation we studied the effects of different metal allergens on cell counts, dye exclusion, and fine structure of unsensitized guinea pig thymocytes cultured in vitro for up to 96 H. At concentrations which inhibit DNA synthesis of lymphoid cells, the metal salts most often caused cell degeneration as judged by dye exclusion test and electron microscopy. DNA synthesis stimulating concentrations of mercuric chloride gave an increase in the percentage of viable cells. Absolute cell counts were not changed with either DNA synthesis inhibiting or stimulating concentrations. The importance of using different methods in investigating effects of metal allergens on lymphocytes in vitro is pointed out.