Cadmium alters the structure of F-actin in LLC-PK sub 1 cells

Journal Article · Thu Feb 09 04:00:00 EST 1989 · FASEB Journal (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology); (USA)

OSTI ID:6832947

Kahan, B S; Battaglia, D R; Niewenhuis, R J; Prozialeck, W C ^[1]

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1. Philadelphia College, PA (USA)

Although the nephrotoxicity of Cd{sup 2+} is well known, the specific mechanisms underlying this effect have yet to be elucidated. In the studies described here, we have examined the effects of Cd{sup 2+} on the structure of actin filaments in cultured LLC-PK{sub 1} cells, a porcine cell line that exhibits morphologic and functional properties similar to those of proximal tubular epithelial cells. Confluent monolayers of LLC-PK{sub 1} cells were exposed to varied concentrations of CdCl{sub 2}, and then examined with a phase contrast microscope. Non-treated cells were shaped irregularly and formed complete monolayers with tight intercelluar junctions. Exposure to Cd{sup 2+} (40 microM for as little as 2 hours) caused the cells to shrink, detach and assume a spherical shape. Similar concentrations of Hg{sup 2+}, Pb{sup 2+}, Al{sup 3+} and CN{sup {minus}} did not cause this effect even with longer times of exposure. However, cytochalasin-B, an agent that is known to alter the structure of actin filaments, caused morphologic changes that were similar to those of Cd{sup 2+}. Additional studies in which rhodamine coupled phalloidin was used to visualize F-actin, showed the Cd{sup 2+}, but not the other metals, altered the structure of actin filaments; fewer filaments were visible than in the non-treated cells and the filaments that were present showed an atypical, granular or tangled appearance. These results indicate that Cd{sup 2+} has a relatively specific damaging effect on LLC-PK{sub 1} cells and that this effect may involve the disruption of cytoskeletal components.

• OSTI ID: 6832947
• Journal Information: FASEB Journal (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology); (USA), Journal Name: FASEB Journal (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology); (USA) Vol. 3:3; ISSN FAJOE; ISSN 0892-6638
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ACTIN
ALUMINIUM COMPOUNDS
ANIMAL CELLS
ANIMALS
CADMIUM
CADMIUM CHLORIDES
CADMIUM COMPOUNDS
CADMIUM HALIDES
CHLORIDES
CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
CYANIDES
DOMESTIC ANIMALS
ELEMENTS
HALIDES
HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
LEAD COMPOUNDS
MAMMALS
MERCURY COMPOUNDS
METALS
MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES
MUSCLES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PROTEINS
SWINE
TOXICITY
VERTEBRATES