Conclusions
Both autophagy and apoptosis were observed in L1210 cells following ER photodamage. In the Bax-deficient DU145 cell line only autophagy was observed. Current information suggests that autophagy can function as either a survival or death pathway. We propose that in the context of PDT, this may also be true.
Results
Both apoptosis and autophagy occurred in L1210 after ER photodamage with the latter predominating after 24 hours. In DU145 cells, PDT conditions causing comparable cytotoxicity only initiated autophagy. PI3-kinase inhibitors suppressed autophagy in both cell lines as indicated by inhibition of vacuolization and LC3 processing. Conclusions: Both autophagy and apoptosis were observed in L1210 cells following ER photodamage. In the Bax-deficient DU145 cell line only autophagy was observed. Current information suggests that autophagy can function as either a survival or death pathway. We propose that in the context of PDT, this may also be true.