US EPA

823955 

Journal Article 

Effect of quartz dust DQ 12 on human monocytesacrophages in vitro an electron microscopical study 

Behrendt, H; Seemayer, NH 

1990 

Yes 

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
ISSN: 0090-4341
EISSN: 1432-0703 

18 

6 

844-849 

English 

An investigation was provided of the surface alterations in human monocytes/macrophages in-vitro induced by quartz (14808607) DQ 12 to explain the considerably higher resistance of human macrophages to quartz particles in-vitro. At concentrations which are highly cytotoxic to guinea-pig macrophages, human monocytes/macrophages reacted with a considerably higher survival rate. Macrophages which had been exposed to 100 micrograms/milliliter of quartz DQ 12 for 48 hours displayed a vacuolar network filled with flocculant material and quartz particles but no signs of cytotoxicity. Results obtained by scanning electron microscopy and by transmission electron microscopy indicated that cultured human monocytes/macrophages displayed unique features on contact with toxic quartz particles. The higher resistance of the cells to quartz concentrations which are toxic for animal cells was underlined by a special mechanism of phagocytosis in combination with autophagolysosomal processes and cell secretion. These effects were species specific characteristics of human cultured monocytes/macrophages which have been exposed to quartz particles. 

DCN-194139; NIOSH Publication; Lung cells; Respiratory system disorders; Dust inhalation; Cell cultures; Dust exposure; Airborne dusts; In vitro study; Cytotoxic effects