Effect of the flame retardant tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP) on Na+-K+-ATPase and Cl− transport in HeLa cells

AbstractTris (1, 3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP) is one of the most diffused phosphorus flame retardants in the environment and is highly persistent and abundant in residential dust samples. To date the cellular targets and mechanisms underlying its toxic effects are not completely understood. The aim of this work was to study the effects of TDCPP on ion transport mechanisms fundamental for the cellular ionic homeostasis, such as Na+-K+-ATPase and Cl− transport. HeLa cells were used as experimental model. TDCPP showed a dose-dependent effect on cell viability in cells exposed for 24 h as assessed by MTT test (IC50 = 52.5 µM). The flame retardant was able to exert a dose and time-dependent inhibition on the Na+-K+-ATPase activity. A short-term exposure (1 h) was able to exert a significant inhibition at 75 and 100 µM TDCPP, suggesting that TDCPP is able to directly interfere with the Na+-K+-ATPase phosphate catalytic activity. The sensitivity of the pump to lower TDCPP concentrations increased with ...