Mitochondrial changes during the apoptotic process of HeLa cells exposed to cisplatin

HeLa cells undergo apoptosis after exposure to cisplatin. Since mitochondri a have recently been proposed as a probable effector of this type of cell d eath, we performed an analysis using the fluorescent cation rhodamine 123, which is transported actively by this organelle. Cisplatin induces a decrea se in the mitochondrial staining, as assessed by cytofluorometric analysis. Microscopic analysis demonstrated that this effect was accompanied by dama ge of the mitochondria. These features were not exclusive of cisplatin, as other antineoplasic agents (taxol, etoposide) elicited similar effects. The se results point toward the notion of a general effect of antineoplasic dru gs over the mitochondria during induction of apoptotic cell death.