The toxic effects of microcystin-LR on mouse lungs and alveolar type II epithelial cells

Cong Wang, Shen Gu, Xiaoqin Yin, Mingming Yuan, Xiang Zou, Zutong Li, Honghui Cao, Xiannan Meng, Kebin Hu, Xiaodong Han

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

28 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

However, the effect of MC-LR on lung remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the chronic, low-dose effect of MC-LR on mouse lung tissues and the influence of MC-LR on mouse alveolar type II epithelial cells (ATII cells). Methods MC-LR was orally administered to mice at 0, 1, 10, and 40 μg/L for 6 consecutive months and mouse lungs were obtained for histopathological and immunoblot analysis. ATII cells were cultured in various concentrations of MC-LR (0, 0.5, 5, 50, 500 nmol/L) for indicated time and the cell viability and proteins change were tested. Results Our study revealed that the chronic, low-dose MC-LR exposure induced alveolar collapse and lung cell apoptosis as well as the breach of cell junction integrity. Furthermore, following treatment with MC-LR, ATII cells could uptake MC-LR, resulting in apoptosis and disruption of cell junction integrity. Conclusions These data support the toxic potential of low-dose MC-LR in rendering chronic injury to lung tissues.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)81-88
Number of pages8
JournalToxicon
Volume115
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Chronic low dose
  • Lung
  • Microcystin-LR
  • Toxic

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Toxicology

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