Yttrium decreases the intracellular Zn2+ concentration in rat thymocytes by attenuating a temperature-sensitive Zn2+ influx

Yttrium is used in the production of various electronic devices because the alloy it contains enhances or modifies the properties of other elements. In order to study the cytotoxic action of yttrium, the effect of yttrium chloride (YCl3) on the intracellular Zn2+ level was examined in rat thymocytes using a flow cytometer with FluoZin-3-AM and propidium iodide. The application of YCl3 significantly decreased the intensity of the FluoZin-3 fluorescence, suggesting a decrease in the intracellular Zn2+ level or quenching of the FluoZin-3 fluorescence by Y3+. However, since Y3+ did not attenuate the FluoZin-3 fluorescence under cell-free conditions, the latter suggestion was ruled out. Rat thymocytes possess a temperature-sensitive membrane pathway that carries Zn2+ into the cells. The application of YCl3 attenuated the FluoZin-3 fluorescence augmented by externally applied ZnCl2 in a concentration-dependent manner. This suggested that Y3+ inhibited the Zn2+ influx, resulting in the decrease in the intracellular Zn2+ level. Yttrium may induce dyshomeostasis of intracellular Zn2+, leading to some cytotoxic actions.

► Yttrium is used in the production of various electronic devices.
► Yttrium decreases intracellular Zn2+ level in rat thymocytes.
► This is due to the attenuation of a temperature-sensitive Zn2+ influx by yttrium.
► Yttrium may induce cellular Zn2+ dyshomeostasis, leading to cytotoxic actions.