[Genetic damage of mammalian cells induced by nickel-refining fumes].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of two kinds of nickel-refining fumes on DNA damage of NIH/3T3 cell and the difference. METHODS: NIH/3T3 cells were treated by two kinds of nickel fumes collected from smelting furnace and refining workshop of a nickel-smeltery, and PBS taken the place of nickel-smelting fumes was used as negative control. Several hours later, the cytotoxicity of on NIH/3T3 cells was detected with MTT colorimetric assay, and the DNA damage was also measured by comet assay (single cell gel electrophoresis). RESULT: With the extension of exposure time and increasing of concentration, the living rate of NIH/3T3 cells was decreased; the tail rate, tail extent moment and tail DNA percent of NIH/3T3 cell induced by these two refining fumes were increased. After cells were treated with 100.00 microg/ml of nickel-smelting fume for 48 h, the living rate of NIH/3T3 cells was 24.5% and 26.5% respectively. The tail length of NIH/3T3 cell induced by these two refining fumes was not significant difference. Tail DNA percent of NIH/3T3 cell induced by smelting furnace fume was higher than negative control group (P < 0.05). The tail rate, and tail DNA percent (except 12.5 microg/ml and 50.0 microg/ml treated 2 h group) of NIH/3T3 cell induced by refining workshop fume was higher than negative control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Nickel-smelting fume could depress the survival rate of NIH/3T3 cells, and induce different degree DNA damage of NIH/3T3 cell.