CISPLATIN-INDUCED APOPTOSIS OF HELA-CELLS - EFFECT OF RNA AND PROTEIN-SYNTHESIS INHIBITORS, CA2+ CHELATORS AND ZINC

HeLa cells exposed to cisplatin undergo cell death, presenting morphol ogical and biochemical characteristics typical of apoptosis. In this s tudy we demonstrate that this process is independent of RNA and protei n synthesis, since it was not inhibited by actinomycin D or cyclohexim ide. These substances induced apoptosis by themselves, suggesting an u nidentified short-lived inhibitor. The presence of Ca2+ chelators (EDT A and EGTA) did not have effect in this process, excluding the partici pation of extracellular Ca2+ access. Finally, zinc ions inhibited the low molecular weight DNA degradation and the apoptotic bodies producti on, but not cell death. These results provide an insight into the mech anism of action of one of the most used antineoplasic drug.