XXXX Oocytes as a Model System for Studying the Interaction Between Asbestos Fibres and Cell Membranes.

@entity137 @entity1238 @entity68 @entity17110 @entity1355
UNASSIGNED: The mode of interaction of @entity1355 fibres with cell membranes is still debatable. One reason is the lack of a suitable and convenient cellular model to investigate the causes of @entity137 . We studied the interaction of @entity1355 fibres with @entity1238 oocytes, using electrophysiological and morphological methods. Oocytes are large single cells, with a limited ability to endocytose molecular ligands; we therefore considered these cells to be a good model for investigating the nature of @entity1355 /membrane interactions. Electrophysiological recordings were performed to compare the passive electrical membrane properties, and those induced by applying positive or negative voltage steps, in untreated oocytes and those exposed to @entity1355 fibre suspensions. Ultrastructural analysis visualized in detail, any morphological changes of the surface membrane caused by the fibre treatment. Our results demonstrate that Amosite and @entity17110 -type @entity1355 fibres significantly modify the properties of the membrane, starting soon after exposure. Cells were routinely depolarized, their input resistance decreased, and the slow outward currents evoked by step depolarizations were dramatically enhanced. Reducing the availability of surface @entity68 contained in the structure of the fibres with cation chelators, abolished these effects. Ultrastructural analysis of the fibre-exposed oocytes showed no evidence of phagocytic events. Our results demonstrate that @entity1355 fibres modify the oocyte membrane, and we propose that these cells represent a viable model for studying the @entity1355 /cell membrane interaction. Our findings also open the possibly for finding specific competitors capable of hindering the @entity1355 -cell membrane interaction as a means of tackling the long-standing @entity137 problem.
