Low Concentrations of Mercury Induce Changes in Ion Composition of Cultured Myoblasts

Authors

Joanna Wroblewski, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm
Jan Ekstrand, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm
Romuald Wroblewski, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm

Abstract

The effects of low concentrations (1 pM, 1 nM, 1 μM) of mercuric chloride on ion distribution in cultured myoblasts were analysed by energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis. An increase in intracellular sodium concentration was observed five minutes after addition of HgC12 to the culture medium. This increase was dose dependent and accompanied by a transient decrease in potassium concentration. Exposure to 1 nM and 1 μM HgC12 led to a two-fold increase in the cytoplasmic chlorine concentration. The higher HgC12 concentration (1 μM) induced morphological alterations in the form of cell membrane blebs, perforations and shrinkage or flattening of the myoblasts. It was concluded that even low concentrations of mercuric chloride cause elemental and morphological changes in cultured myoblasts, which may reflect effects of the metal on membrane permeability.

Recommended Citation

Wroblewski, Joanna; Ekstrand, Jan; and Wroblewski, Romuald (1995) "Low Concentrations of Mercury Induce Changes in Ion Composition of Cultured Myoblasts," Scanning Microscopy: Vol. 9: No. 2, Article 16.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/microscopy/vol9/iss2/16