EFFECTS OF SODIUM DIETHYLDITHIOCARBAMATE ON TYPE II PULMONARY EPITHELIAL CELLS IN VITRO

• Published in: Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A Vol. 62; no. 3; pp. 207 - 216
• Main Authors: Tátrai, Erzsébet, Kováciková, Zuzana, Karácsony, Géza, Hudák, Aranka, Adamis, Zoltán, Ungváry, György
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Informa UK Ltd 09.02.2001
• Subjects: Acetylgalactosamine - metabolism; Alkaline Phosphatase - metabolism; Animals; Cell Membrane - drug effects; Cell Membrane - metabolism; Cell Survival - drug effects; Cells, Cultured; Ditiocarb - toxicity; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Galactose - metabolism; gamma-Glutamyltransferase - metabolism; Glutathione Peroxidase - metabolism; Glutathione Reductase - metabolism; Histocytochemistry; Lectins - metabolism; Male; Plant Lectins; Pulmonary Alveoli - cytology; Pulmonary Alveoli - drug effects; Pulmonary Alveoli - enzymology; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Superoxide Dismutase - metabolism; Trypan Blue
• ISSN: 1528-7394; 1087-2620
• DOI: 10.1080/009841001458316

Dithiocarbamates (DDTC) are chemicals widely used in the form of pesticides, therapeutic and chelating agents, and scavengers. Since DDTC interfere with SH, Cu, and Zn enzymes due to chelating properties, it was of interest to clarify, in primary culture of type II alveolar pneumocytes, the effect of this compound upon enzymes of glutathione cycle, Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase, and the membrane structure of cells. DDTC significantly inhibited the activity of superoxide dismutase and the activity of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, glutathione reductase, and alkaline phosphatase, whereas an increase in the activity of glutathione peroxidase was found. The membranes of pneumocytes type II were injured. Data show that DDTC adversely affected type II pneumocyte function and structure.