Effect of Cadmium Acetate, Copper Sulphate and Nickel Chloride on Organ Cultures of Mouse Trachea

Abstract

Abstract Tracheas from albino mice were excised and cut into rings approximately 1 mm thick. After pre‐incubation overnight in Medium 199 with 5% calf serum, they were placed into fresh medium. Cadmium acetate, copper sulphate or nickel chloride was added separately or in combination, to a final concentration of 10‐200 μM. Each metal was also added (10 μM) to serum‐free Medium 199. The percentage (0‐100) of the inner intact epithelium and the rate (0‐4) of the ciliary beat in each ring were assessed before and during a 4‐hour incubation period and multiplied to yield a relative activity index (0‐400). Cadmium acetate at 10‐100 μM depressed the ciliary activity significantly more than 10‐100 μM copper sulphate (each level P<0.05). With 200 μM a 50% reduction of the activity index was observed after approximately 35 min. with cadmium acetate and 85 min. with copper sulphate. At 10‐200 μM, cadmium acetate was significantly more suppressive than nickel chloride (each level P<0.05). When comparing the inhibitory effects of copper sulphate and nickel chloride a significant difference appeared at 10‐100 μM (each level P<0.01), but not at 200 μM (P>0.05). With 200 μM nickel chloride a 50% reduction in the activity index was observed after 90 min. There was a tendency towards reduced toxicity of cadmium acetate when combined with copper sulphate and of copper sulphate when combined with nickel chloride. In serum‐free medium metal toxicity was increased.