Mitotic disturbances and micronucleus induction in Syrian hamster embryo fibroblast cells caused by asbestos fibers.

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Abstract
Asbestos and other mineral fibers have long been known to induce lung cancer and mesothelioma. However, the primary mechanisms of fiber-induced carcinogenesis still remain unclear. We investigated the occurrence of mitotic disturbances induced by asbestos (amosite, crocidolite, chrysotile) in an in vitro approach using Syrian hamster embryo (SHE) fibroblast cells. The following endpoints were investigated: micronucleus formation as a result of mitotic disturbances and characterization of the induced micronucleus population by kinetochore staining and visualization of the spindle apparatus. Supravital UV-microscopy was used to analyze changes in interphase chromatin structure, impaired chromatid separation, and blocked cytokinesis. All three asbestos fiber types induced a high frequency of micronucleus formation in SHE cells (> 200/2000 cells) in a dose-dependent manner (0.1-5.0 micrograms/cm2), with a maximum between 48 hr and 66 hr exposure time. At higher concentrations (more than 5.0 micrograms/cm2) th...

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