In vitro cytotoxicity of the organophosphorus pesticide parathion to FG-9307 cells.

FG-9307, a cell line derived from a gill of the flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus, was used to determine the cytotoxic effects of the organophosphorus (OP) pesticide parathion. Cytotoxicity was measured by three endpoint systems: neutral red (NR) uptake assay, tetrazolium (MTT) assay and cell protein assay. The lowest concentration of parathion tested (1 microg/ml) was toxic and there was no significant difference in cytotoxic effects among the three assays. The FG-9307 cell line is a suitable bioindicator for the screening of the acute toxicities of parathion. The fine structures of the cells were also studied. Ultrastructures were markedly altered by parathion, as evidenced by dilation of nuclear membranes and mitochondrial cristae and by the presence of lysosomes with engulfed particles. With the increase of the parathion concentration, the damage degree of the cellular structures was more serious. At the highest concentration tested (15 microg/ml), there were few visible organelles, although such changes in cell morphology were not observed under a light microscope. Apparently, this is the unnoted report of marine fish cell line used for the evaluation of the acute in vitro cytotoxicity of parathion.