Diethyldithiocarbamate induces apoptosis in neuroblastoma cells by raising the intracellular copper level, triggering cytochrome c release and caspase activation

► DEDTC-copper complex in low concentration is associated with the activation of caspase 8. ► DEDTC induces copper accumulation in neuroblastoma and causes apoptosis. ► Cell death depends on DEDTC concentration and incubation time. ► The apoptotic cell death mechanisms are mediated by cytochrome c release and by caspase and p53 activation.