Increase of survival of dopaminergic neuroblastoma in co-cultures with C-6 glioma by R-(-)-deprenyl.

We have observed that the survival of dopamine neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells in co-cultures with C-6 glioma in serum-deprived media is slightly but significantly enhanced by R-(-)-deprenyl, a selective monoamine oxidase B inhibitor. This drug, however, does not directly affect the viability of SH-SY5Y cells or glioma cells in serum or serum-deprived media. The results suggest that R-(-)-deprenyl enhances astroglial trophic support in favor of neuronal survival.