LAUSR

Cadmium (Cd) is considered a possible etiological factor in neurodegenerative diseases. However, the exact mechanism by which Cd induces neurotoxicity is not well elucidated. In this study, Neuro‐2a cells were treated with 0, 10, 20, and 40 μM cadmium chloride for 24 hours to investigate the effects of Cd on the cytoskeleton of nerve cells. MTT assay and ELISA assay were used to examine cell viability and release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) from cells, respectively. Results showed that Cd reduced cell viability and increased the release of LDH in a dose‐dependent manner (P < 0.05). The morphology of treated cell was damaged as indicated by cell collapse and dimensionality reduction. Moreover, the axonal spines and normal features of Cd‐treated neurons disappeared. We checked the ultrastructure of Neuro‐2a cells and found that Cd‐induced swelling, membrane damage, overflow of cytoplasm contents, and cell fragmentation. Damaged mitochondria, expanded endoplasmic reticulum, and abnormal microfilaments were found in Cd‐treated cells rather than in untreated cells. Compared with the control group, the relative release of glutamate in the supernatant after Cd treatment was reduced, indicating that Cd exposure could reduce the release of glutamate by inhibiting the function of nerve‐2a cells. Cd decreased the mRNA and protein expression levels of cytoskeletal proteins including DBN, SYP, and TAU, which might promote cytoskeleton alterations in Cd‐treated cells. In conclusion, Cd‐induced actin cytoskeleton alterations and dysfunction of cultured neurons. The results of the present study provide new insights for the investigation of Cd‐induced neurotoxicity.