Differential sensitivity of astrocyte primary cultures and derived spontaneous transformed cell lines to 7 beta-hydroxycholesterol: effect on plasma membrane lipid composition and fluidity, and on cell surface protein expression.

The cytotoxicity of 7 beta-hydroxycholesterol (7 beta-OHC) was investigated on rat astrocyte primary cultures and spontaneously transformed cell lines derived from them. Confluent astrocyte primary cultures (normal cells) were unaffected by 20 microM 7 beta-OHC over a period of 72 h whereas 30 microM markedly affected the viability of the transformed cells within the first 72 h. Both cell types incorporated 18% of the total amount of 7 beta-OHC added to the cultures at concentrations of 20 microM or 30 microM.