Cadmium nitrate-induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity via caspases in Neuro-2A neurons

AbstractMajor source for human exposure to cadmium nitrate (Cd(NO3)2) is from smoking and occupational hazard. Cd(NO3)2-induced neurotoxicity and related mechanism in neurons are still unknown. Here, Cd(NO3)2 induced cytotoxicity in a concentration- and time-dependent manners on Neuro-2A (N2A) neurons. Genotoxicity, which included micronucleus formation and DNA damage, and caspases, which included caspase-3, -8 and -9, activities were increased by Cd(NO3)2 in a concentration-dependent manner. The concentration trends of Cd(NO3)2: 1, 3 and 10 μM, were similar in the significant induction of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity and the up-regulation of the activities of caspase-3, -8, -9. In conclusion, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were induced by Cd(NO3)2 via caspases activities on neurons.