The cytotoxicity of nici2 for mammalian cells in culture

The effects of NiCl2 were studied in two human cell lines, HeLa and diploid embryonic fibroblasts as well as in V79 Chinese hamster cells and in L‐A mouse fibroblasts. NiCl2 produces a dose‐dependent depression of proliferation, mitotic rate, and viability, accompanied by an increasing release of lactic dehydrogenase and stimulation of lactic acid production. The plating efficiency is reduced, as are DNA and protein synthesis and, to a lesser degree, RNA synthesis. The cytotoxicity of NiCl2 is comparable in degree to those of PbCl2 and MnCl2, but is weaker than those of HgCl2 and CdCl2. However, the different sensitivities of different cell lines must also be considered. NiCl2 effects are more severe in serum‐free medium than in medium containing serum or serum albumin indicating that serum constituents, notably albumin, bind the metal effectively and inhibit cellular uptake; this confirms earlier reports on the serum binding and slow uptake of NiCl2. Synchronized cells are most sensitive in the Gl and ea...