Effects of hyperthermia in human neuroblastoma cells.
Neuroblastoma is a childhood malignancy derived from the developing sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and often diagnosed during early infancy. To investigate its metastatic properties, also in response to anti-cancer treatment, we have studied hyperthermia (HT) effects on the ultrastructure of SK-N-MC human neuroblastoma tumor cells. Cells undergoing HT showed a significant increase in apoptotic and necrotic events, but also a rearrangement of the cellular shape, appearing as cell detachment and rounding. The most striking effects of HT can be so correlated to primary tumor mass decrease and to a certain impairment of cell adhesion properties and consequently metastatic diffusion potential.
Burattini
S
S
Institute of Morphological Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy.
Battistelli
M
M
Luchetti
F
F
Falcieri
E
E
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000502:physiology; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D048430:Cell Shape / Q000502:physiology; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D009336:Necrosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009447:Neuroblastoma / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured