Effects of Carbaryl and Dieldrin on the Growth, Protein Content, and Phospholipid Content of Hela Cells

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-1-1975

Description

Monolayer cultures of HeLa cells were used to monitor the effects of two commonly used insecticides on cell numbers, protein content, and phospholipid content. Analytical grades of carbaryl (a carbamate insecticide) and dieldrin (an organocholorine insecticide) were used in the study. HeLa cells were incubated for 48 hr with different concentrations (1, 2, 4, and 8 ppm) of the selected chemicals. Both carbaryl and dieldrin were found to stimulate cell division at 1 and 2 ppm and to inhibit growth at 4 and 8 ppm., Carbaryl was found to be more toxic than dieldrin at 4 and 8 ppm. A decrease in cellular protein was noted with carbaryl at 4 ppm and with dieldrin at 4 and 8 ppm. Increasing concentrations of carbaryl caused subsequent increases in sphingomyelin content of the phospholipid fractions of exposed cells. Both carbaryl and dieldrin elicited decreases in the amounts of phosphatidylcholine, and a slight increase in lysophosphatidylcholine was noted in cells exposed to carbaryl. The results indicate that carbaryl and dieldrin cause general metabolic changes in HeLa cells. The variations in phospholipid content of HeLa cells caused by carbaryl and dieldrin suggest an alteration of the structure of cellular membranes.

Share

COinS