We previously reported that trapidil, a Platelet-derived Growth Factor (PDGF) antagonist, can inhibit the proliferation of PDGF-dependent glioma cells. In the current study, we explored the effect of trapidil on the differentiation of glioma cells by observing the morphological changes in glioma cells in control and trapidil-treated cultures under a phase contrast microscope. Most cells in the control cultures were flat, large, and irregularly shaped. On the other hand, most cells treated with trapidil formed several long cytoplasmic processes and exhibited fibrous morphology. Western blots and immunocytochemical analysis of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-stained, trapidil-treated cultures revealed an increase in GFAP content over the control cultures. From these results we propose that trapidil induces the differentiation of glioma cells.

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