Protection of ROC-1 Hybrid Glial Cells by Polyethylene Glycol Following ATP Depletion

Abstract: Oligodendroglia-glioma hybrid cells (ROC-1) subjected to inhibition of glycolytic and oxidative ATP synthesis undergo a sequence of changes, including ATP depletion, parallel processes of cell swelling and blebbing, and finally plasma membrane disruption and cell death. The morphological and biochemical changes that follow ATP depletion were studied in the presence and absence of polyethylene glycol (M, 8,000), a nonpermeant oncotic agent. Polyethylene glycol prevented cell swelling and membrane blebbing. It significantly delayed, but did not prevent, the release of lactate dehydrogenase into the medium; it did not affect the fall in [ATP]. These results suggest that osmotic cell swelling may be a contributing factor in the loss of cell viability when ROC-1 cells are depleted of ATP.