Induction of 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphohydrolase and morphological alterations in C6 glioma cells by dexamethasone, (3-butoxy-4-methoxybenzyl)-2-imidazolinone and prostaglandin E1.

Dexamethasone, RO20-1724 and prostaglandin E1 all induced morphological alterations and increased the glial specific enzyme 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphohydrolase (CNP) in rat C6 glioma cells in culture. Morphological alterations consisted mainly in the development of astrocytelike changes. Increases in dexamethasone-induced CNP activity was time dependent. Dexamethasone reduced cell growth rate, depending on the concentration employed.