ISSN:
1432-119X
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Lysosomes of embryonic rat fibroblasts cultivated in vitro normally contain heavy metals, as shown with a modified sulfide-silver method (SSM). Cultures which received lead added to the cultivation medium showed an enhanced SSM-positivity. However, since the SSM demonstrates several different heavy metals the sulfides of which are weakly soluble in water, it was not possible to distinguish between naturally occurring heavy metals—largely iron—and added lead (supposed to have been taken up by the cells). By treating the cells with a 0.2 M TCA solution after an initial exposure to HS− it was possible to dissolve FeS without affecting the PbS to any noticeable extent. When subsequently the development process of the SSM was applied to the cells, no metals could be demonstrated in the control cells whereas those exposed to lead showed presence of granules, most of which were identical with lysosomes as visualized with a Gomori type reaction. A lysosomal uptake of lead could thus be demonstrated with the modified SSM when combined with a simple dissolving process.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00277282
Permalink