The effect of cadmium on growth and antioxidant responses in the safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) callus

Authors: SHAHRAM NAMJOOYAN, RAMEZANALI KHAVARINEJAD, FRANCEOUS BERNARD, SHAHROKH NAMDJOYAN, HAMED PIRI

Abstract: Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) callus cultures grown in the presence of different concentrations (0-100 µM) of cadmium were assayed for growth, Cd accumulations, and antioxidative responses. Cadmium inhibited the growth of calli by 25% and 46% at 75 and 100 µM Cd concentrations, respectively. Cadmium concentration in the calli increased with an increased Cd supply in the growth medium. Calli accumulated 334 mg Cd kg^{-1} of their dry weight at 100 µM Cd. Cadmium induced oxidative stress, which was indicated by modulating antioxidant (glutathione and \alpha-tocopherol) levels and antioxidative enzymes. The effect of Cd on glutathione (GSH) was dose-dependent. The GSH content increased up to a concentration of 75 µM Cd and then decreased. Levels of \alpha-tocopherol showed a significant increase with the increase in concentrations of Cd in the media. Antioxidant enzyme activity increased significantly up to a concentration of 75 µM Cd. Concentrations of Cd greater than 75 µM resulted in a decline in antioxidant enzyme activity. Increased antioxidant levels and antioxidant enzyme activity in Cd-treated calli indicate that Cd detoxification and accumulation in the safflower callus might be associated with the efficiency of these mechanisms.

Keywords: Cadmium, callus, Carthamus tinctorius, glutathione, \alpha-tocopherol

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