The influence of vinyl-4-cyclohexene dioxide on the vimentin-containing intermediate filaments and the microtubular cytoskeleton of cultured mouse fibroblasts: Immunofluorescence investigations

The exposure of 3T3 mouse fibroblasts to vinyl-4-cyclohexene dioxide (VCD), a compound used as a chemical intermediate and as a reactive diluent for diepoxides and epoxy resins, induces changes in cellular shape and cytoplasmic organization. Toxicological effects on the cytoskeletal elements were investigated by culturing 3T3 cells in medium containing VCD for increasing times (15, 30, 60 and 180 min). The immunofluorescence investigations demonstrated that both vimentin-containing intermediate filaments and microtubules were compromised by the treatment in a time-dependent manner. Increasing the duration of exposure to VCD increased cellular damage. © 1994.