A tissue culture model for mercury-selenium interactions
Potter, S.D.; Matrone, G.
Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 40(2): 201-215
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-008X PMID: 560069 Document Number: 114146
In 5- and 6-day growth studies, Chang's were protected against selenite toxicity by HgCl2 and by monomethyl Hg. They were protected against HgCl2 toxicity by selenite. The following results were obtained with Chang's liver cells only: methyl Hg inhibited selenite uptake and the optimal molar ratio of Ch3HgCl to Na2SeO3 in the medium were on the order of 1/10. These 2 observations suggest that methyl Hg interfered with sites for selenite transport into the cell. The optimal HgCl2/Na2SeO3 molar ratio in the growth medium varied from 1.2 to 2.0. At protective levels, selenite increased HgCl2 uptake on a per-cell basis. The molar ratio of uptake of the 2 substances varied with their ratio in the medium but not in a linear fasion. A minimum of 2 different protective interactions between HgCl2 and Na2SeO2 is suggested.