Cytotoxic Effect of Poly-Dispersed Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes on Erythrocytes In Vitro and In Vivo
2011

Effects of Acid Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes on Mouse Red Blood Cells

Sample size: 20 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Sachar Sumedha, Saxena Rajiv K.

Primary Institution: Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India

Hypothesis

The AF-SWCNTs may have a more aggravated toxic effect on erythrocytes that have no nucleus and lack substantial cellular repair mechanisms.

Conclusion

Treatment with AF-SWCNTs results in acute membrane damage and eventual lysis of erythrocytes, leading to transient anemia in mice.

Supporting Evidence

  • AF-SWCNTs caused a dose and time dependent lysis of erythrocytes.
  • Confocal microscopy indicated that AF-SWCNTs could enter the erythrocytes.
  • Administration of AF-SWCNTs resulted in a significant drop in blood erythrocyte count.

Takeaway

When mice were given special carbon tubes, their red blood cells got damaged and caused temporary anemia.

Methodology

Mice were administered AF-SWCNTs through various routes, and erythrocyte counts were monitored over time.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in the selection of mouse strains and the routes of administration used.

Limitations

The study primarily focused on a specific age group of mice and may not generalize to other populations.

Participant Demographics

Inbred Swiss and C57BL/6 female mice, aged 6–12 weeks.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0022032

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