Differential induction of cell death in human glioma cell lines by sodium nitroprusside

Abstract

SNP can induce cytotoxicity in glioma cells. The susceptibility of these glioma cells to nitroprusside-induced killing appears to be correlated inversely with bcl-2 and PKC activity. bcl-2 levels in these cells can be altered through modulation of PKC signaling, specifically, by induction or inhibition of PKCalpha. These in vitro results provide an interesting basis for further study into the potential use of SNP for treatment of human gliomas in patients receiving combination therapy with conventional chemotherapeutic agents that exhibit PKC inhibitory activity.