In vitro effects of styrene on cytoskeletal apparatus: an immunocytochemical study.

Styrene is known as an organic solvent implicated in neurological disorders occurring in exposed workers. Our studies were focused on the effects of styrene on the cytoskeletal apparatus, involved in several toxic neuropathies. The cultured cells were considered as living systems useful to investigate the mechanisms of cytotoxicity. Preliminary results reported here were obtained on two different epithelial cell lines (CG5 and HEp-2) by immunocytochemical methods. Treatment with styrene at 0.04% and 0.08% for 24 and 48 hours, induced changes in cytoskeletal elements. In particular, styrene seemed to induce a decrease in number of cells adhering to the substrate and some alterations in microtubule assembly. Moreover, a rearrangement of the keratin filaments was observed while styrene did not seem to induce noticeable changes in actin filament network. Data obtained seem to confirm in vitro studies as a useful tool in toxicity assessment of xenobiotic compounds at subcellular levels.