Mammalian Cells Exhibit a Range of Sensitivities to Silver Nanoparticles that are Partially Explicable by Variations in Antioxidant Defense and Metallothionein Expression

While it is well known that there are interspecies differences in Ag sensitivity, differences in the cytotoxic responses of mammalian cells to silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are also observed. In order to explore these response outcomes, six cell lines, including epithelial cells (Caco-2, NHBE, RLE-6TN, and BEAS-2B) and macrophages (RAW 264.7 and THP-1) of human and rodent origin, are exposed to 20 nm citrate- and PVP-coated Ag NPs with Au cores, as well as 20 nm citrate-coated particles without cores. An MTS assay shows that while Caco-2 and NHBE cells are resistant to particles over a 0.1-50 g mL(-1) dose range, RAW 264.7, THP-1, RLE-6TN, and BEAS-2B cells are more susceptible. While there are small differences in dissolution rates, there are no major differences in the cytotoxic potential of the different particles. However, differences in anti-oxidant defense and metallothionein expression among different cell types are observed, which can partially explain differential Ag NP sensitivity. So, it is important to consider these differences in understanding the potential heterogeneous effects of nano Ag on mammalian biological systems.