Effects of dinitrotoluenes on morphological cell transformation and intercellular communication in Syrian hamster embryo cells.

The effects of four isomers of dinitrotoluene (DNT) and technical DNT (a mixture of DNT isomers and other compounds, with 2,4-DNT as the major constituent) were studied in two short-term in vitro assays. None of the isomers or technical DNT induced an increase in morphological transformation of Syrian hamster embryo (SHE) cells. Four DNT metabolites (2,4-diaminotoluene, 2-amino-4-nitrotoluene, 2-amino-6-nitrotoluene, and 2,4-dinitobenzoic acid), representing different stages in reduction or oxidation of DNT isomers, were also negative for induction of morphological transformation. The DNT isomers were tested in an intercellular communication assay based on dye transfer. 2,4-DNT, 2,6-DNT, and technical DNT inhibited intercellular communication in the SHE cell line BPNi at toxic concentrations. This may be reminiscent of in vivo data showing promoting activity of these compound. 2,3-DNT and 3,4-DNT did not inhibit communication.