In vitro toxicity and transformation potency of nickel compounds.

An in vitro bioassay utilizing BHK-21 cells in culture is used to determine the relative transformation potential of a number of nickel compounds including, as relatively insoluble particulates a known carcinogen (Ni3S2) and several oxides either of commercial interest or found in the working environment in the metal industry (e.g., NiO), and a soluble salt [Ni(CH3COO)2]. Although a wide range of transformation potency is found as a function of the dose of Ni per area of culture, all substances produce the same number of transformed colonies at the same degree of toxicity (e.g., 50% survival). If toxicity is a direct measure of intracellular concentration, then apparently nickel per se is the ultimate transforming agent independent of source or uptake mechanism.