Nanosilver cytotoxicity in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) erythrocytes and hepatocytes

Abstract Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are present in a multitude of consumer and medical products; however, the toxicity of AgNPs is not fully understood. This research aimed to elucidate the relationship between AgNP cytotoxicity and oxidative stress and damage in rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) hepatocytes and erythrocytes in comparison to silver ions (Ag + ). Generally the cytotoxicity of AgNPs and Ag + was similar, such that both silver types generated reactive oxygen species, decreased glutathione levels, and decreased activities of glutathione reductase and glutathione- S -transferase. Nonetheless, the two silver types had different cellular targets; AgNPs increased lipid peroxidation without apparent uptake into the cells whereas Ag + increased DNA damage. Furthermore, the toxicity of both silver types was generally decreased in cells treated with cysteine while treatment with buthionine sulfoximine increased the toxicity of both silver types.