Cytotoxicity of Dinitrotoluenes (2,4-DNT, 2,6-DNT) to MCF-7 and MRC-5 Cells

DNTs are considered possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) because there is inadequate evidence in humans for carcinogenicity though there is sufficient evidence in experimental animals. In this study, MCF-7 (breast) and MRC-5 (lung) cells were exposed to a serial dilution of 2,4 and 2,6 DNTs (control, 1–500 ppm) in 96 well tissue culture plates. After various time intervals (24, 48, 72 and 96 hrs) the plates were washed, and 100 μl fluorescein diacetate solution (10 μg/ml in PBS) was added column wise to each well, and incubated at 37°C for 30–60 min before reading the fluorescence with a spectrofluorometer at excitation and emission wavelengths of 485 and 538 nm respectively. Spectrofluorometeric readings were converted to percentages of cell survival. Regression analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between cell survival and exposed concentration. Linear equations derived from the regression analysis were used to calculate the LC (50) values. Results indicated that 2,6 DNT as more toxic to breast cells; LC(50) values were 445 and 292 ppm at 24 and 48 hours respectively compared to 2,4 DNT showing LC(50) values of 570 and 407 ppm at 24 and 48 hours, respectively. No significant differences in toxicity existed between the two chemicals with regard to lung cells. Contrary to the above observation, 2,4 DNT was more toxic to breast cells; LC(50) values were 407 and 238 ppm at 24 and 48 hours respectively compared to lung cells showing LC(50) values of 527 and 402 ppm at 24 and 48 hours respectively. No significant difference existed for 2,6 DNT between the two cell lines. Lungs cells were more resistant to the two chemicals.