PbO Nanoparticles Increase the Expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 by Increasing Reactive Oxygen Species Production in Rat Choroidal Epithelial Line Z310 Cells

Abstract PbO nanoparticles (nano-PbO) are widely used in the production of electrode materials, but exposure to them can cause brain damage. The first barrier preventing nano-PbO from entering the brain is the choroid plexus. However, the effect of nano-PbO on the choroid plexus remains unclear. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the effect of nano-PbO exposure on the adhesion protein of the choroid plexus and the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the process. Results showed that treatment of rat choroidal epithelial Z310 cells with 10 µg/mL nano-PbO upregulated the expression of surface adhesion proteins, including intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). It also increased intracellular ROS production, and significantly decreased glutathione (GSH) content, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activity and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Treatment with ROS inhibitor N-acetylcysteine (NAC) significantly downregulated the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1expression. In conclusion, exposure of Z310 cells to nano-PbO increases the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 through oxidative stress.