Abstract
This paper deals with some cytological effects of Endoxan (ASTA), a new alkylating antitumor agent, on HeLa cells in vitro, with special reference to general morphology, stainability, chromosomes, as well as to growth rate of cells after treatment.
For general morphological observations, HeLa cells were cultured in 17×17×38mm culture flasks in which a 12×32mm coverslip was inserted previously. For chromosome study, cells were cultured in TD-15 flasks. They were divided into two groups: one group received Endoxan-treatment just after setting up the cultures (early stage of cell growth), while the other received the same treatment at 48 to 72 hours after cultivation (the most marked proliferating stage of cell growth).
Endoxan was dissolved with culture medium at concentrations of 10, 100, 500, 1000 and 2000μg/ml.
Observations were carried out by using the air-drying technique for chromosome study, and also May-Grünwald and Giemsa stainig method for studying general morphology of cells.
Remarkable growth-inhibiting effects were observed when the cells were exposed to Endoxan just after cultivation, but no such effects were detected in the cells being exposed to the drug at 48 to 72 hours after setting up the cultures.
Neither the morphological alterations nor the chromosomal changes were produced by this agent in every case here examined.
The possible significance of this finding was discussed.
