Induction of redox changes, inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 by chronic cadmium exposure in ouse peritoneal macrophages

DARIO C. RAMIREZ; MARIA S. GIMENEZ

TOXICOLOGY LETTERS

ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD

Año: 2003 p. 121 - 132

0378-4274

Toxicol Lett. 2003 Nov 30;145(2):121-32. Induction of redox changes, inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 by chronic cadmium exposure in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Ramirez DC, Gimenez MS. Laboratory of Molecular Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, National University of San Luis, Avenida Ejercito de los Andes 950, 5700 San Luis, Argentina. ramirez1@niehs.nih.gov Abstract Redox changes and the secretion of inflammatory mediators were investigated in resident peritoneal macrophages of mice chronically exposed to cadmium (Cd, 15 ppm for 2 months) through drinking water. Our results showed that in vivo Cd exposure altered the redox balance in mouse peritoneal macrophages, leading to excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that overwhelmed the antioxidant defenses. It also led to increased lipid peroxidation and arachidonic acid (AA) release, higher nitric oxide and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) production, and induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 compared with control macrophages. Oxidative stress and inflammation could be important processes operating in the modulation of mouse macrophage physiology induced by chronic Cd exposure.