Changes in the redox state of neuroblastoma cells after manganese exposure.

The toxicological effects of manganese chloride on the redox state of thiols and on the lipid peroxidation in cultures of the neuroblastoma clone N1E 115 were studied. The cell cultures were exposed, after a stationary growth phase was attained, to manganese chloride (25-100 microM) for up to 9 days. The non-protein thiols decreased at the most 27% as compared to the controls. Significant effects were obtained at all manganese concentrations tested. The total thiol content was maximally reduced by 40%. This reduced thiol content was also reflected in a lowered activity of the thiolenzyme, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase in manganese exposed cells. In addition the lipid peroxide level in the cells was decreased during the manganese treatment.