Glutathione and cellular response of ACNU-resistant rat glioma sublines to drugs and radiation.

Three ACNU-resistant sublines (R1, R3 and R12) from rat glioma 9L cells showed cross-resistance to vinblastine, adriamycin, and VP-16. Among these, the R3 subline also acquired radioresistance under aerobic conditions. Total glutathione levels in these sublines were elevated 2- to 3-fold. Treatment of the cells with BSO, a specific inhibitor of GSH synthesis, resulted in decreased intracellular total glutathione levels in all 4 cell lines to about 10% of control levels. However, sensitivity to radiation or to chemicals did not change accordingly. Treatment of 9L cells with OTZ, a precursor of cysteine, resulted in a rise in intracellular GSH levels but it did not correlate with sensitivity to X-ray or to ACNU. These results suggest that, in terms of cellular sensitivity to radiation or ACNU, total glutathione level alone cannot serve as a predictive indicator.