[D-Arg1, D-Phe5, D-Trp7,9, Leu11] substance P induces apoptosis in lung cancer cell lines in vitro

The broad spectrum antagonist [D-Arg1, D-Phe5, D-Trp7,9, Leu11] substance P has been shown previously to inhibit the growth of small cell lung cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. To elucidate further the pathways involved in the growth inhibitory actions of [D-Arg1, D-Phe5, D-Trp7,9, Leu11] substance P we have examined the effect of this agent on cell viability and the induction of apoptosis in small cell and non-small cell lung cancer cells. Treatment of lung tumor cells with [D-Arg1, D-Phe5, D-Trp7,9, Leu11] substance P caused a concentration-dependent loss of cell viability which was accompanied by the onset of apoptosis, as defined by cytological criteria and DNA fragmentation. This effect occurred in both small cell and non-small cell lung cancer cells and was not dependent on de novo protein synthesis. Such findings indicate that the antiproliferative action of [D-Arg1, D-Phe5, D-Trp7,9, Leu11] substance P involves a signal transduction pathway for apoptosis.