[Studies on the transforming effects of wollastonite on SHE cells]

A transformation system utilizing SHE cells was used to study the carcinogenic effects of Chinese wollastonite, a new mineral fiber. Morphological transformation was observed in SHE target cells treated with either wollastonite or MNNG, a known chemical carcinogen. A single treatment of wollastonite (20 ug/ml) induced typical transformation. The transformation rate of SHE cells induced by MNNG followed by several treatments with wollastonite was higher than that induced by the same dose of MNNG only. Electron microscopic observation showed that the ultrastructure of wollastonite-transformed SHE cells was significantly different than that of normal SHE cells, but similar to that of SHE cells transformed by MNNG. The above results suggest that wollastonite may not be simply an environmental carcinogen, but also a possible promoter.