Lu S., Jaiswal A.R., Wong Y.Y.W., Bhushan A., Leung S.W., Daniels C.K., Lai J.C.K.
Idaho State University College of Pharmacy, US
Keywords: DRG neurons, nanotoxicity, peripheral neural cells, Schwann cells, titanium oxide nanoparticles
The health impact of exposure to TiO2 nanoparticles is poorly documented although exposure to the particles is known to elicit inflammatory responses in lung tissue. We recently found treatment with TiO2 micro- or nanoparticles induce cell death in human astrocytes-like U87 astrocytoma cells and in normal human fibroblasts in a concentration-related manner. Because the cytotoxic effects of these nanoparticles in peripheral nervous system (PNS) neural cells have not been elucidated, we have developed two PNS neural cell models in vitro consisting of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and Schwann cells to facilitate the systematic investigation of such effects. We noted treatment with TiO2 nanoparticles lowered the survival of both DRG neurons and Schwann cells in a dose- and time-related manner, DRG neurons being more sensitive than Schwann cells to the effects. Thus, our findings may have pathophysiological implications in the impact of exposure to TiO2 nanoparticles on the structure and function of the PNS.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Nanotechnology 2011: Bio Sensors, Instruments, Medical, Environment and Energy
Published: June 13, 2011
Pages: 533 - 536
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Medical & Biotech
Topic: Environmental Health & Safety of Nanomaterials
ISBN: 978-1-4398-7138-6