Δ9‐Tetrahydrocannabinol induces apoptosis in human prostate PC‐3 cells via a receptor‐independent mechanism
- 21 September 1999
- journal article
- Published by Wiley in FEBS Letters
- Vol. 458 (3) , 400-404
- https://doi.org/10.1016/s0014-5793(99)01073-x
Abstract
The effect of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major psycho-active component of marijuana, in human prostate cancer cells PC-3 was investigated. THC caused apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Morphological and biochemical changes induced by THC in prostate PC-3 cells shared the characteristics of an apoptotic phenomenon. First, loss of plasma membrane asymmetry determined by fluorescent anexin V binding. Second, presence of apoptotic bodies and nuclear fragmentation observed by DNA staining with 4′,6-diamino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). Third, presence of typical ‘ladder-patterned’ DNA fragmentation. Central cannabinoid receptor expression was observed in PC-3 cells by immunofluorescence studies. However, several results indicated that the apoptotic effect was cannabinoid receptor-independent, such as lack of an effect of the potent cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212-2, inability of cannabinoid antagonist AM 251 to prevent cellular death caused by THC and absence of an effect of pertussis toxin pre-treatment.Keywords
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