Effects of Mercury(II) Chloride on Production of Coumarins in Angelica archangelica L. Cell Suspension Cultures
Abstract
HgCl(2) was tested (0.5-100 mu M) as an elicitor of the production of coumarins in angelica cell cultures. The HgCl(2) toxicity was examined by evaluating its effect on cell growth.
Cultivations were performed in the dark or in light. The content of coumarins was determined fluorometrically by sequential injection analysis.
The culture growth was not adversely affected by Hg concentrations up to 50 mu M; the 100 mu M concentration was lethal, independently of light conditions. HgCl(2) stimulated production of coumarins.
In the dark, the amount of coumarins in the medium increased with increasing Hg concentrations up to 20 mu M (the coumarin contents in the medium increased by 70 % compared with control) while it was not influenced in cultured cells. In light, HgCl(2) enhanced accumulation of coumarins both in the medium and cells; the highest yields were obtained at a Hg concentration of 20 mu M.
The content of coumarins increased by 62 % and 44 % in the medium and in cells, respectively.