In vitro cytotoxicity of fenthion and related metabolites in human neuroblastoma cell lines

The aim of our research was the evaluation in vitro of the neurotoxic effects of fenthion and its metabolites on human neuroblastoma cells, as a model for their toxicity in humans. The results indicate that 24 hours exposure was sufficient to produce dose related effects on SK-N-BE and IMR 32 cell viability causing detachment and loss of cells at the effective doses. In the two cell lines fenthion metabolites display an increased cytotoxicity respect to the parent compound with a distinct pattern of toxicity on neurons. Our data suggest that cultured neuronal cells of human origin are discriminating experimental systems, sensitive to minor differences,of correlating in vivo and in vitro neurotoxicants.