Effects of Nickel-Lapachol in Hypoxic Cells

Previous studies on the radiosensitizing properties of the lapachol chelate of nickel suggested a possible chemosensitizing role for this complex. Hypoxic mammalian cells become more sensitive to the toxic action of cisplatin when also treated with nickel-lapachol. There is less sensitizing effect in aerobic cells; lapachol alone shows less effect than its nickel complex. It is suggested that the interaction occurs at the DNA level.