Differentiated HL-60 cells as model system for toxicity studies of inhalable dusts

For the assessment of the toxicity of inhalable dusts, generally either in vivo investigations or tests with cultures of freshly isolated macrophages are used. In the present study, a calcitriol-treated HL-60 tumor cell line was investigated as an alternative model and compared with bovine alveolar macrophages. In both systems, upon exposure to two different quartz fractions, the amount and reaction pattern of superoxide anion release (O2.-) were determined by lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence; viability of cells was determined using the fluorescein diacetate-ethidium bromide assay. Nearly equal results were obtained in both systems, recommending the differentiated HL-60 cell line as an easily manageable model system for toxicity studies of particulate bronchopulmonary noxious agents, especially with regard to the lower experimental expenditure.