Comparison of metabolic activities in two human hepatoma cell lines, HEP 3B and HEP G2. Application to lindane.

In a preliminary investigation, the evolution with time of the levels of ATP and glutathione species [reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione disulphide (GSSG)], glutathione reductase activity and RNA synthesis rate were studied in two human hepatoma cell lines, Hep 3B and Hep G2. Both cell lines exhibited higher cellular activities, during the first 48 hr. In a second investigation, the cells were exposed to lindane. Different cytotoxicological parameters such as viability, lactate dehydrogenase release, ATP, GSH and GSSG contents, RNA synthesis rate and glutathione reductase activity, were measured. Results showed that Hep 3B cells were more susceptible to lindane than Hep G2 cells, which perhaps have superior defence capacity and metabolism.