Mechanistic toxicology of triethyl citrate in cultured mammalian cells by cinematography

✍ Scribed by Alan B. Jones; W. L. Guess; J. Autian

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1968
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 829 KB
• Volume: 57
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0022-3549
• DOI: 10.1002/jps.2600570210

✦ Synopsis

The role of triethyl citrate in growth inhibition of mouse fibroblast cells (strain L-929) in culture has been studied by the use of phase-contrast microscopy and timelapse microphotography. Concentrations of the ester studied ranged from 7.9 to 48 mM of growth medium. It was found that at concentrations below 12 mM, the primary site of action of the toxicant was mitochondria resulting in mitochondria1 swelling, inhibiting the function of this organelle, and growth inhibition. At higher dose levels, a second mechanism masks the mitochondrial involvement. The cytological picture is characterized by cytoplasmic gelation, plasma membrane contraction, and eventual lysis of the cell. The mechanism proposed was protein denaturation, but further studies are necessary for its definition. The method is a valuable tool for observing the effects of toxicants on living cells. When coupled with biochemical procedures, it offers a workable technique for the interpretation of mechanisms of actions of toxicants.

RIETHYL CITRATE and other esters of citric