Cellular toxicology data analysis using a programmable calculator

Abstract

Cellular toxicity of environmental pollutants can be evaluated utilizing a battery of standardized cellular/biochemical assays (e.g. cell growth and division; viability; cellular adenosine triphosphate; protein synthesis). Analysis of the data obtained from such assays has been accomplished via use of four programs written for the TI-59 programmable calculator. These programs can be used separately or in combination. One program assimilates raw data from three separate assays and calculates both intermediate values and final output. The intermediate data, stored on magnetic cards, can be used by two additional programs to calculate the mean and standard deviation, and probability values. The fourth program can be used to calculate confidence limits for the concentration of the test substance required to produce a 50% response. The applicability of these programs to toxicological experimentation is illustrated by analysis of data obtained after exposure of mammalian cells (human neonatal fibroblasts and Chinese hamster ovary cells) to polychlorobiphenyl (PCB).