Evaluation of cellular morphology by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for the U937 cell line upon treatment with copper complex

This work presents transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results for a new copper complex previously synthesized and characterized by us. The U937 cells (acute myeloid leukemia) were treated with the complex [Cu₂(Salandiβ)Cl₂]•2H₂O for 4 and 8 hours at concentrations of ½xIC₅₀ (4 µmol·dm⁻³) and 1xIC₅₀ (8 µmol·dm⁻³). The results obtained by TEM indicate DNA condensation; the mitochondrial alterations leading to vacuole formation, and an increased of vacuolization. These results, in conjunction with Annexin V/PI and JC-1 analyses, indicate cell death occurring predominantly via apoptosis, demonstrating potential as a metallodrug candidate.