Action of Beryllium Ions on Primary Cultures of Swine Cells

Abstract
In cells cultured in vitro Beryllium exerts a damaging action on all the mitotic phases. In high concentrations (1×10–3M) such action is stronger on lymphocytes than on kidney cells. The mitotic index as well as mitotic morphology is impaired. The abnormalities are mainly stickiness, anaphasic bridges and migration of undivided chromosomes. No action on the achromatic spindle was observed. With the employed technique many chromatids breakages are also obtained; these do not appear to be limited to a particular chromosome or certain chromosome segments. The relationship between the poisonous action of Be++ and alkaline phosphatase are discussed.