Effects of toxic chemicals on the respiratory activity of cultured mouse neuroblastoma cells

Abstract

1. Twenty common toxic chemicals were tested for their ability to inhibit respiratory activity in cultured mouse neuroblastoma C1300 cells, clone 41 A₃.

2. Pentachlorophenol and hexachlorophene exhibited the properties of uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation, whereas for KCN, pyridine, 2,5-hexandione, NaAsO₂, K₂Cr₂O₇, HgCl₂, methylmercury and triethyltin more simple time-courses of inhibition were obtained.

3. Ethanol, methanol, dimethyl sulphoxide, benzidine, nickel acetate, MnCl₂, phenol, CoCl₂, Na₂SeO₃ and CdCl₂ did not cause any significant changes in respiratory activity.

4. Among the effective compounds, those with well-known neurotoxic properties were the most potent in inhibiting respiration in 41A₃ cells.