Lead nitrate induced apoptosis in alveolar macrophages from rat lung

In this work we have attempted to characterize the programmed cell death (apoptosis) in alveolar macrophages exposed to various concentrations of lead nitrate. It was found that after 3 h of exposure a significant increase in superoxide anion production was observed, i.e. the number of trypan blue - exculding cells, was unchanged (less than or equal to 95%) with any dose of lead employed. Agarose gel electrophoresis and diphenylamin reaction analysis revealed the occurrence of internucleosomal DNA fragmentation evaluated using cytological analysis by fluorescence dyes, suggesting that lead nitrate at low concentrations and short periods of exposure leads macrophages into apoptosis. However, time course studies showed that beyond 3 h, toxicity occurs, which could be attenuated by phosphodiesterase inhibitors, such as caffeine, suggesting a possible mechanism involving cAMP. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.