Abstract
The cytotoxicity of arsenic compounds towards BALB/c 3T3 cells in culture was investigated, together with the role of glutathione (GSH) in the induction of the cytotoxic effects. The rank order of cytotoxicity was as follows: arsenite (As3+)>arsenate (As5+)>dimethylarsinic acid (DMAA)>methylarsonic acid (MAA)>trimethylarsine oxide (TMAO). Arsenobetaine, arsenocholine and the tetramethylarsonium ion were less toxic. Depletion of GSH enhanced the cytotoxic effects of As3+, As5+, MAA and TMAO, while the cytotoxicity of DMAA was markedly reduced by depletion of GSH. These results suggest that GSH plays a role in protecting the cells against the toxic effects of As3+, As5+, MAA and TMAO while it is involved in the induction of the cytotoxic effects of DMAA.
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Ochi, T., Kaise, T. & Oya-Ohta, Y. Glutathione plays different roles in the induction of the cytotoxic effects of inorganic and organic arsenic compounds in cultured BALB/c 3T3 cells. Experientia 50, 115–120 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01984946
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01984946