Effect of cerium on the production of reactive oxygen species in the root of Arabidopsis thaliana: An in vitro study.

Abstract

In the current study, the effect of trivalent cerium (Ce3+ ) on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was investigated in the root of Arabidopsis thaliana by an in vitro study. The roots of A. thaliana were exposed with 0, 1, and 5μmol/L Ce3+ for 12 h in vitro. It was found that the level of H2 O2 , O2 .- , and ·OH was enhanced by 5μmol/L Ce3+ , but reduced by 1μmol/L Ce3+ . The activities of peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and superoxidase dismutase (SOD) were enhanced by 1μmol/L Ce3+ , but reduced by 5μmol/L Ce3+ . Moreover, we used a laser-scanning confocal microscopy to detect the changes of ROS in the root cells of A. thaliana by using a fluorochrome 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (H2 DCF-DA). It showed that the level of ROS was declined in the root cells treated by 1μmol/L Ce3+ , but the oscillation of ROS was found in the root cells treated with 5μmol/L Ce3+ . In addition, REEs affect the uptake of mineral elements, which may be related to the oxidative stress in the cells of roots. In all, the data of our study indicated that the appropriate concentration of Ce3+ exhibited an anti-oxidation property and improved the defense system in the root cells of A. thaliana.