Effect of zearalenone on the growth inhibition and ultrastructure of HeLa cells

Objective To observe the effect of zearalenone(ZEA) on the growth inhibition and ultrastructure of HeLa cells,and to explore the mechanism of the cytotoxicity.Methods Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT) was used to assay the growth inhibition of different doses of ZEA on HeLa cells after 48 h exposure and transmission electron microscope was used to observe the ultrastructure of HeLa cells.Results The inhibition rate of cell growth was significantly different between groups(F=1099.093,P0.05),were all significantly different between every two groups(all P0.05).The growth inhibition rate increased as the ZEA dose increased.Vacuolar degeneration and pulpiform change of mitochondria were seen in the cytoplasm in lower dose group under transmission electron microscope.The number of necrotic cells was increased in higher dose group,and nuclear pyknosis,aberration,nucleonic fragments and flocculent degeneration of mitochondria appeared.Conclusion The cytotoxic effect of ZEA on HeLa cells and ultrastructural damage was observed.