Abstract
The effects of Sarkomycin and Carzinophilin were investigated in vitro on normal rat fibroblasts and on methylcholanthrene-induced spindle cell sarcoma by means of customary cytochemical and cytological staining methods. The abnormalities induced in cultures by Sarkomycin are: 1) the loss of the substance, probably RNA, from the cytoplasm, chromatin and nucleolus, and 2) stickiness and coalescence of metaphasic chromosomes and anaphasic bridges. The treatment of cultures with Carzinophilin induces: 1) elimination of chromatin from the nucleus, 2) partial agglutination of chromatin, 3) condensation of the nuclear substance into respective nucleic acid components, and 4) fragmentation, slendering and translocation of chromosomes. Considered from the cytochemical viewpoint, it is probable that these abnormalities may be caused by the dissociation of RNA-DNA complex in the nucleus induced by the agent.
In general effects of the two agents applied, rat fibroblasts respond more severely at relatively high concentrations than methylcholanthrene-induced spindle cell sarcoma, while the relation is reverse at low concentrations.
It was shown that small and round cells containing a tiny nucleolus have remained alive unaffected by the agent. Phase microscopy studies in vitro furnished evidence that they are capable of proliferation and seem able to originate a regrowth of tissues.
