DIFFERENTIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY OF L CELLS IN THE EXPONENTIAL AND STATIONARY PHASES TO CADMIUM CHLORIDE

Abstract

Comparative studies of the cellular toxicity and uptake of Cd in L cells [derived from mouse subcutaneous connective tissue] in the exponential and stationary phases were done. The LD50 of cadmium chloride to L cells in the exponential and stationary phases was 5.5 and 30.5 .mu.M, respectively and the Cd content of L cells exposed to 5.5 .mu.M cadmium chloride for 3.5 h in the exponential and stationary phases was 0.123 and 0.065 .mu.g/106 cells, respectively. These results suggest that the higher susceptibility of cells in the exponential phase to Cd may be caused by an increased permeability of the cell membrane to Cd. [Cd is a source of environmental pollution.].