Cytotoxic action of triphenyltin on mouse thymocytes: a flow-cytometric study using fluorescent dyes for membrane potential and intracellular Ca2+.

Effects of triphenyltin on mouse thymocytes were examined using fluorescent dyes to monitor membrane potential and intracellular Ca2+. Triphenyltin at 3 x 10(-7) M to 1 x 10(-6) M hyperpolarized thymocytes and depolarized them at 3 x 10(-6) M or more, associated with increasing intracellular Ca2+. Hyperpolarization was suppressed by quinine, but not by tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine, suggesting the involvement of Ca(2+)-activated K+ current. Triphentyltin failed to hyperpolarize thymocytes in Ca(2+)-free solution. Results indicate that triphenyltin promotes Ca(2+)-influx to thymocytes. Such an action of triphenyltin may be related to the immunotoxicity of organotins.