Cocaine produces fine structural nuclear alterations in cultured neuroglioblastoma cells

NG 108-15 neuroglioblastoma cells were grown in culture medium containing either 10(-3), 10(-6) or 10(-9) M cocaine for 1-3 days. Some cultures were assessed for viability while others were processed for electron microscopy. Following 1-3 days of cocaine, no cytoplasmic alterations were observed compared to control; however, numerous dense bodies were present in some cells cultured with the highest doses. After 2 days of treatment with 10(-3) and 10(-6) M cocaine, nuclear invaginations were found filled with vesicles, and the nuclear membrane surrounding the vesicles was disrupted. Following 3 days of treatment with 10(-3) and 10(-6) M cocaine, patches of vesicles and tubules were also seen in the nucleus, but without surrounding membranes. The vesicles ranged in size from 0.05 to 0.8 micron. Cell counts revealed a significant slowing in the rate of cell division after two days of exposure to 10(-3) M cocaine. All concentrations of cocaine caused a significant decrease in cell viability by the third day of treatment. These results suggest that cocaine may interfere with cell replication and also may have a neurotoxic effect.