Cytotoxic effect of paraquat on rat C6 glioma cells: Evidence for the possibility of non-oxidative damage to the cells

Although paraquat has been shown to cause oxidative damage to neuronal cell s, little is known about its effect on glial cells. Thus the effect of para quat on glial cells was examined using rat C6 glioma cells as a model syste m. Paraquat reduced cell viability in a concentration- and time-dependent m anner, and this toxic effect was not significantly attenuated by various ki nds of antioxidants. Furthermore, paraquat failed to increase 8-hydroxy-deo xyguanosine formation in the cells. These results indicate that paraquat ca n be toxic to glial cells and suggest that this cytotoxic effect may not be associated with the oxidative damage to the cells.