Chromosomal Damage and GAP Junctional Intercellular Communication in Mesothelioma Cell Lines and Cultured Human Primary Mesothelial Cells Treated with MMMF, Asbestos and Erionite

Abstract

Mesothelioma tumour cells exhibit karyotypic changes involving different chromosomes. Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) is reduced in the tumour cells compared to normal mesothelial cells. Human primary mesothelial cells were treated with defined fractions of various mineral fibres for acute chromosomal aberration studies and for effects on GJIC. No dose response was observed in the induction of chromosomal aberrations by the fibres tested. Some doses of rock wool, thin and coarse glass wool, wollastonite, amosite and erionite caused significant increases in the number of aberrant cells. A major or persistent diminution of GJIC was not affected by any of these mineral fibres.