The radiochromium release for evaluation of cytotoxicity in vitro.

Abstract

The radiochromium release method was introduced to evaluate solid or plastic bio-materials when it was essential to bring cells into intimate contact with the material preventing direct observation of the affected cells. This method has proved to be rapid and to give reliable results. A very small amount of radioactive material is used and it does not alter the cell structure. The release is proportional to the toxicity of materials. When the radiochromium release is below 35 per cent, large differences in injury are observed among cells in the same culture. Variations in metabolic activity during different phases of the cell cycle may be responsible for differing cell susceptibility to toxic materials.